When it comes to starting any new exercise program, including walking, you obviously have to begin somewhere, but many of us get stuck in starting position. When you have more questions than answers, beginning a new fitness regimen can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. To make your transition to the fit life a bit smoother, keep these tips in mind:
Err On the Side of Caution
When you’re just starting out, your competitive instinct may tell you to see just how fast you can walk, how far you can go, or what kind of advanced yoga positions you can get into. This is generally a bad idea as it might lead to an injury. In the beginning, you should certainly be exerting effort but not giving it your all just yet. Save that for a little further down the road.
Don’t Mind the Soreness
Most people who exercise regularly periodically experience muscle soreness, but it’s typically worse for people who are just starting out. Since your muscles aren’t accustomed to working so hard, you may even have problems doing simple things like walking and lifting light objects for a day or two. Don’t worry…this pain goes away over time, so continue to stick to your exercise routine. However, if you experience sharp piercing pain that doesn’t subside within 48 hours, make an appointment with your doctor to rule out an injury.
Dabble a Little Bit
There are numerous ways to start your walking program, and if you’re just starting out now is a good time to try a little bit of everything. Walking inside on a treadmill or indoor track can help you get started and beat the summer heat, taking your walk to the streets or the park will help you get ready for the varying terrain and temperatures of the 2-Day Walk.
The trickiest part of any plan is sticking to it, and people who abandon their walking program usually do so within the first few weeks. People who have been exercising for years or even months are less likely to quit because they tend to miss their workouts both physically and mentally. The trick is to totally dedicate yourself to walking regularly for at least 6 weeks – just in time for the Atlanta 2-Day Walk. If you can make it past that point, fitness will likely become a habit rather than a chore.
