You Don't Have To Hurt Yourself To Reap The Benefits of A Work-Out

Despite the popular myth, exercise doesn't have to be drastic to provide massive physiological benefits. Even light exercise will burn fat!

If you're new to the gym, sometimes understanding what to do can be tough. The terminology itself can be brain twisting! There are long, multi-sylabic words floating about the locker room, a lot of suggestions from friends that you blindly accept, and too many exhausting (not to mention dangerous) mistakes to be made when you don't know what your body needs, or can handle.

The word aerobics literally means 'with oxygen'. It doesn't mean 'with shooting pains in your ribcage'. Light exercise clears out lactic acid, a waste product in the body, and stimulates the regeneration of cells. To ensure that you're exercising aerobically - meaning that you're actually burning fat - it's important that you do several things as you exercise.

1. Breathe
The most important thing to do while working out is to breathe. Breathing deeply, taking air into your stomach through your nose, holding it in, and then exhaling hard through your mouth, keeps your oxygen level balanced. By doing this, you will notice that you can go longer in your work-out. Even if the person next to you seems not to be breathing at all while she swishes a million miles per hour on the Elliptical, make sure you breathe deeply!

2. Go Easy
Especially if you're a beginner, make sure that you exercise at a level that's comfortable for you. We often feel the need to push ourselves to a level of discomfort. We leave the gym red-faced and sore, and that's not always a good thing. Of course, it's good to reach your limit, meaning do the very best you can, but don't push your limit until you're truly comfortable at the gym. Did you know that experts say you should still be able to carry on a conversation while you exercise? It's true!

3. Drink Water
Even if you're not thirsty, you must drink water. Dehydration is very dangerous! Keeping your system well hydrated will improve your work-out and lessen the feeling of physical fatigue.

Exercise strongly benefits the heart. It literally makes it a larger and stronger organ. Research is now linking exercise to the prevention of almost every disease and ailment, and the movement of joints promotes blood flow and creates energy. This is why staying fit is the best way to stay pain free as you age.

So, if the thought of vigorous excersie make has always made you cringe, sweat or bite your nails with anxiety - know that it's never too late to start, and that work-outs don't need to be painful. A simply thirty-minute, mid-energy walk on a treadmill will do wonders for your body.

Sandra (6) Paque
		About the author:
		I am an avid aerobiciser, thigh masterer, kegel clentcher and core ball balancer. I am just like you: a curious and (mostly) motivated woman who thinks she can (and will!) lose a few before my next family wedding or beach party. I am your sister, your mother, your aunt and your daughter. I will scour the fitness and diet landscape (so you don't have to) and keep you up to date on the latest and greatest bum and thigh disappearing potions. I hope you find my articles insightful and more than anything, motivating! NOW DROP AND GIVE ME TEN!!
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