Top Tips for a Training Newbie.

The world of fitness and training is full of ad-hoc advice from friends, family or other material found online and it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that one size fits all, or that any piece of advice is going to help one achieve their fitness objectives. Actually, bad advice not only could hinder the time it takes to reach a desired result but of itself be counterproductive. 

As with most things in life it’s always best to seek expert advice for topics one knows little about. When embarking on a health and fitness programme it makes sense to consult with a personal trainer if possible, even before starting out. A good personal trainer works to understand each individuals' objectives and tailors a programme that is custom fit to achieve those objectives. 

Unsubstantiated Advice. 

I heard it from a friend or a guy in the pub, is advice you should be careful about following, what worked for them will not necessarily work for someone else, one size does definitely not fit all. 

 Online Research. 

The advice and guidance found online is generally well-meaning and the fitness programmes available can be great however, they take no account of the persons own objectives and current physical condition. 

 Too Much Too Fast. 

Cramming in intense workouts in the hope of weight loss for example, can do serious physical damage. There is no shortcut to getting fit dropping body fat or building strength. Working out for hours a day every day can have a detrimental effect on the body with no chance for vital recovery. It could also be a shock to the system if your body isn't ready and hasn’t been conditioned correctly for that level of exertion. Nature does nothing fast, and there's no substitute for diligence and time. CHILL WINSTON! 

Hydration. 

Water in the body is essential for many important processes to take place. From our blood system carrying essential glucose, oxygen and nutrients to cells, to kidneys getting rid of waste products we no longer want. Drinking enough liquids before during and after workouts is very important as it helps to ensure that all bodily functions are able to take place as normal and maintain Its natural balance. Failure to hydrate sufficiently over time can lead to serious health issues. 

Know thyself. 

If someone hasn’t been doing any sort of physical activity for some time, it makes sense to get a professional health check before embarking on any fitness programme. After the health check a doctor will be able to advise on what activities can be done and those to avoid. 

Food. 

Diet forms such a key part of any fitness programme and should work in conjunction with any serious fitness or training programme. Having the correct nutritional balance should work in tandem with the fitness programme to maximise results. 

 Not Pushing Targets. 

Although a little regular exercise is better than none at all, most people do not really push themselves to reach their targets and as a result can lose motivation from a lack of progress. In order to see something new in yourself you have to be someone new and go to places you've never been before, both physically and mentally. Nobody said it was going to be easy - Just do it!  

A good training program. 

For the average person on a general fitness programme it’s vital to get the balance between strength, cardio, mobility and stretching. Too much of one or the other is generally not the best approach irrespective of a person’s preference. 

Using a good personal trainer will certainly help prevent making all of these common mistakes and increase your chances of reaching and surpassing whatever goals you’ve set.  

Training with LIONFIT clients get a personalised service customised to their specific wants and needs. LIONFIT personal trainers are great listeners, analysts and motivators, who put their client's needs and results first and foremost. To find out more about our personalised programmes speak to LION, he is super approachable and would love to help you on route to achieving your goals.