5 steps to a new fitness routine (HEALTH +)

So, what's your definition of exercising? Start exploring what suits your needs and body type the best. To start with, if the gym feels awkward, then try a 30 minutes brisk walk routine 6 times a week.
Rent exercise videos along the way, or if your budget allows spend on that new fitness class you've been eyeing. Nothing makes the cut? Consider joining a kickbox, karate or dancing class.
Choose between group based activities. If you are not a self-motivating natural-born athlete, then try out a combination of weekend sports (like biking, swimming, cycling or even a Frisbee game with your friends).

Keep your waistline in check by enhancing your social interaction through fitness pursuits. Group based fitness activities offer the added advantage of helping you de-stress in the company of others - something that's definitely preferrable to just being around people when you're hard at work and incredibly stressed out.

Try and adjust your old routine before starting a completely new one. When you reach a plateau in your training, it is not necessary or even advisable to perform a completely new routine. Instead adjust certain variables such as sets and reps, intensity, or a combination, and see if this makes a positive impact upon your training," says our fitness expert, Sophia Yasmin.
But who doesn't need a break? And don't we all love them? So, every 8-12 weeks, a one to two week break from the gym will help rejuvenate the body, adds Yasmin.


Get acquainted with all the indicators of progress: The feeling you get when you fit into your high school jeans again, or can lift heavier without getting exhausted, is immense. Some of the other positive indicators of a good exercise routine are:
- Your family doctor congratulates you on improved levels of cholesterol.
- You have more energy all throughout the day.
- You are able to perform heavy physical activities like moving furniture, without experiencing aches and pains.
Watch out for these mistakes when starting a new fitness routine:
- The 'gym slouch' - Leaning on equipment assists your back more than you should usually require, if you're already healthy and have no structural issues. Refrain from backrests, handles and bars unless lifting heavy.
- Stretching errors: Always start with a warm up, then stretch, and finally start your workout. Also, always end with a cool down phase of deep breathing with stretches. Remember - a good workout must begin and end well.