It's essential to ease into a weight-lifting routine to prevent injury. Beginning with body-weight exercises or using light weights allows your muscles and joints to adapt gradually.
Rather than overwhelming yourself with numerous exercises, focus on mastering a few key lifts. Learning proper form is paramount for effective and safe strength training.
If you're new to weight lifting or unsure where to begin, consider working with a personal trainer.
Incremental progress is key. Aim to increase your effort by a small percentage with each workout session, whether it's adding an extra rep or slightly increasing the weight.
While strength-training machines have their place, incorporating free weights or resistance bands into your routine offers additional benefits.
Enjoyment is key to sticking with a cardio routine. Experiment with different activities until you find what you love, whether it's dancing, hiking, cycling, or something else entirely.
To gauge what works best for your body, try alternating between focusing on strength training and cardio.
Keeping a training log is invaluable for monitoring your progress and identifying areas for improvement. Record not only your workouts but also factors like energy levels, sleep quality, and nutrition.