How Working Out Can Change Your Body and Mind
The dawn of the new year excites many of us to set new goals and tackle long awaited challenges. One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is getting in shape. If you are new to working out, you may have decided that now is the time to start working out. However, there are a number of pros and cons of working out, and knowing them ahead of time can help you set appropriate goals and avoid common exercise pitfalls.
Pros and Cons of Working Out
Increased Energy
One of the great ironies of working out is that people often feel like they don’t have the energy to do it, but that by actually exercising, they will actually increase their energy overall. It can be hard to get started, but once you break through that first wall, you can really feel the benefits.
Better Sleep
Another way to have more energy is to get more sleep. Exercise helps you sleep. Working out is also great for reducing stress, which in turn helps you sleep better.
Improved Strength
Working out makes you stronger. You can increase strength by lifting weights, and you can also do it through bodyweight exercises.
Increased Endurance
Working out enables you to keep going. You build the endurance to exercise longer, play sports longer, and to do the things you have dreamt about like running that 5K.
Risk of Injury
One con of working out is the risk of injury. This can take the form of working out too hard too soon, or aggravating a serious condition like heart issues. You should always talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
There is also the risk of injury that can result from doing exercises improperly. If you are new to a specific exercise, do some research and get advice from people with experience.
Learning Curve
Starting a new workout routine can be intimidating. The learning curve can lead to frustration, which can cause you to quit. This is common with some sports that can make you feel uncoordinated. It can also happen when you try a new type of exercise. You can avoid this pitfall by taking classes, signing up with a trainer, or by doing some research in advance.
Overdoing It
The excitement of starting a new workout routine helps you get going. It can also be dangerous or defeating if you hit it too hard at first. Take it easy when you start and plan on working your way up.
Boredom and Burnout
One of the most common complaints about exercise is that it can be boring. Running on a treadmill or doing the same lifts day in and day out are among the most typical frustrations. Bodyweight exercises are a great way to add variety to each workout. The options are practically endless.
Getting Sick of the Gym
Some people love the bustle of the gym. Others find it frustrating to work out in a crowd while competing for equipment and space. Variety can help you overcome this pitfall as well. Even if you like going to the gym, try adding bodyweight exercises at home or outside. It will give you more workout options, and it provides a great alternative when you don’t want to go to the gym.
Expense
Another downside of the gym is the expense. Even big box gym memberships can be a burden when times are tight. Specialty gyms can be even more expensive with high monthly dues and class prices.
Once again, bodyweight exercises come to the rescue. You can do them just about anywhere as long as you have a little space, and there’s little to no cost. Once you get a single piece of equipment like a jump rope or pull up bar, you are ready to go.
