Getting
started in health and fitness
can be an intimidating task
at best. At worst, it can
be completely overwhelming.
Here are some ideas on things
that you don't really need
to know in order to start
getting into better shape
right now.
1.
What your target heart rate
is.
Though
this can be helpful, it does
require calculations and some
understanding of cardiovascular
training. When you start training,
you don't need to know the range
of how many beats per minute
you should keep your pulse rate
at.
| Rule
of Thumb: |
If
you can still talk while
you are doing it, then
you are in a good training
zone. This is called the
"Talk"
test. |
2.
The exact caloric and nutrient
measurement of everything you
eat.
As
you get more serious with training,
you may wish to know exactly
how much of everything you are
eating in a day. When you are
first starting out, this practice
can be time-consuming and intimidating.
| Rule
of Thumb: |
Write
down what you eat during
the day to keep yourself
honest. Phase out junk
food and include more
whole, unprocessed foods. |
3.
How to design a complete exercise
program for yourself.
You
may wish to learn how to do
this at some point, but don't
bite off more than you can chew.
Exercise programs can be very
simple or very complex, depending
on your needs and/or goals.
| Rule
of Thumb: |
Start
with a simple activity
such as walking just to
start doing something.
Learn some basics on your
own or seek professional
help (e.g. BetterU,
Inc. ). |
4.
How to use every machine in
a gym.
Chances
are, you probably don't need
to know how to use any machines
in a gym. You can do an effective
workout using only what you
have available in your house
right now!
| Rule
of Thumb: |
Learn
some basic exercises.
The rest will come in
time. |
5. Physiology,
anatomy and biomechanics.
You
don't need to know what they
are or why you might even need
to know them. You can exercise
and see the benefits and results
without ever knowing why or
how it is happening. As you
progress, you should, however,
strive to increase your knowledge
of training and how it works.
It will help you improve your
progress.
| Rule
of Thumb: |
Learn
enough to start doing
something. Don't worry
about things that won't
affect your progress right
now. |
