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Getting Back Into Shape: Find Exercise Tips Here

When it comes to getting back in shape after many years of not exercising, it might not be as simple as you think. I spent the last 15 years or so working and raising a family. I came up with every excuse I could to avoid exercising. I slowly gained weight, which caused my health to fail. I finally decided to take action and gain control over my life. After talking with my spouse, I joined a local gym and signed up for classes. My journey wasn't easy, but I finally found the strength to get back in shape. I started this blog in hopes of helping other people improve their health. If you struggle to exercise or lose weight, don't hesitate to browse through the blog's content. Hopefully, you'll find your way back to good health soon.

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Getting Back Into Shape: Find Exercise Tips Here

Questions To Ask Your Personal Trainer about Your "Homework"

by Jon Frazier

When you work with a personal trainer at the gym, you'll often get some homework after each session. This homework will entail performing certain exercises between now and your next training session. It's important that you have a high degree of understanding about what is expected of you. Being able to complete this homework will allow you to stay on target with working toward your fitness goals. For best results, it's ideal to ask your trainer these homework-related questions.

How Many Reps and Sets?

Where working out is concerned, more isn't always the best approach. If you've been asked to do abdominal crunches, for example, you might initially think about being a keener and trying a couple hundred staggered out over the course of the day. This type of overexertion, however, risks straining your muscles and potentially even hurting other areas of your body. You should always confirm how many reps and sets you should perform for each exercise. Generally, low reps and sets will allow you to perform the exercise with the proper mechanics. Your personal trainer may advocate two sets of 10 or 15 reps each.

Where Should I Feel It?

You might not always have a clear idea of what muscles each exercise is targeting, but your personal trainer will know. It's worthwhile to ask where you should be feeling a strain during and after each of your homework exercises. Knowing this information allows you to confirm that you're doing the exercise right. In the case of abdominal crunches, for example, it's common to feel a healthy bit of muscle strain in your abdominal area. If you notice pain in a different area, such as your lower or upper back, it may be a sign that you're doing the exercise wrong.

How Much Recovery Time Do I Need?

Many personal trainers don't advocate working the same muscles daily. It's important to allow your muscles time to recover after a workout, so asking your trainer about a recovery schedule is valuable. In many cases, you'll be instructed to work out certain muscle groups on certain days. For example, on day one, you might work your core and arms. On day two, you might work your back and legs. On day three, you might go back to your day one regimen. Knowing this information will help you to prevent overworking your muscles and potentially developing an injury that slows down the attainment of your fitness goals.

Talk to a trainer at Medical Fitness and Wellness Group or your local fitness club if you have any questions.

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