HOW TO BEGIN
WARNING: Prior to undertaking any exercise, or program of exercise that requires a major in- crease in physical activity, consultation with a competent medical authority is strongly recommended. In addition, anyone who has a physical handicap, who suffers from a prolonged illness, or who has increased risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, cardiocirculatory problems, etc., should consult a competent medical authority before undertaking any exercise, or engaging in a continuing program of exercise.
By first doing the above, you will then have a starting point from which to measure your increased physical improvement.
CAUTION: Stop exercising if you experience any of the following symptoms.
_ Pressure, tension, or pain in your chest, shoulders, neck, jaw, or arms. _ Noticeable pain of any kind (i.e. leg or stomach cramps).
_ Lightheaded or dizziness
_ Sudden unsteadiness, weakness or numbness of the face, arms, legs or body. _ Loss of speech, problems speaking, or understanding speech.
_ Unusual fatigue.
_ Lowering of your heart rate with increased exercise demands. _ Fluttering in your chest (heart palpitations).
If any of these symptoms occur, call your doctor immediately. If exercise is new to you, don't push yourself too fast. Be conscious of your body and what it is telling you. If pain develops anywhere in your body, slow down.
SET FITNESS GOALS
General guidelines to follow.
The key to a healthful program is defining your personal goals, and establishing an exercise/nutrition program that will help you to be successful.
What your individual exercise goals are will depend on many factors, some of which includes your age, current fitness level, sex, heredity, and according to your lifestyle, the amount of time available to exercise.
Disciplining yourself not to skip a workout period is a very important short term goal. Many exercise programs fail because this goal is not set as a priority. Just some of the advantages that you will receive with a consistent long term exercise program include; a decrease in the percentage of stored fat, firmer better toned muscles, increased vitality, and improved overall health in all areas of your physical and mental efficiency.
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