How to Start a Daily Exercise Routine

There are many reasons for you to start a daily exercise routine. You may have played sports in high school or college and want to maintain your active lifestyle or you need to start exercising to get healthy. Learning how to start a daily exercise routine often requires a willingness to experiment with different methods to ensure the best regimen for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cross trainer or running shoes
• Comfortable clothing

Begin a Workout Routine

1. Speak with your family physician before beginning a new exercise routine. Physicians can discuss your history of past illnesses or health concerns with you to help establish the limits of your workout plan.
2. Create a daily exercise journal to keep track of your progress. People who want a simple way to track their caloric intake and workout routines can use lined paper or a computer spreadsheet program. Web sites like FitDay offer free exercise tracking software that has multiple functions to meet a person's needs (see Resources below).
3. Ask friends and colleagues who work out to join you at the gym or on the running trail. People who work out with a partner often get more work done while motivating each other to work harder throughout their exercise routine.
4. Shop for new shoes to begin a fresh exercise regimen. Those who casually exercise may have a pair of walking or running shoes that are good for an afternoon stroll. If you are serious about your exercise routine, find inexpensive cross training shoes that offer ankle support and comfort.
5. Utilize old and comfortable clothing during your exercises. A common mistake for exercise newcomers is the purchase of expensive clothing that looks good and promises higher performance. As long as clothing is comfortable and clean, you should save your money for monthly gym fees and other expenses.
6. Start your daily exercise routine at a pace and intensity that is comfortable to you. Many runners, lifters and athletes get discouraged early because they start their work outs at a level that is far too strenuous. For example, try jogging to see how far you can run continuously instead of setting a specific distance.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek out inexpensive workout options in your neighborhood. Dozens of smaller chain gyms have opened in the past decade to respond to higher priced fitness clubs that are inaccessible to most people. These smaller gyms often offer monthly discounts for new members in an effort to expand their client base.