Workouts for Beginners

5 Impressive Workouts You’ll Want to Try

Aim high, then start small. These strategies will help you ease into “reach” workouts like CrossFit, Bikram yoga, and ballroom dancing
By Hollis Templeton fitbie
 

Gateway Workouts to Get You to Your Goal

5 Impressive Workouts You’ll Want to Try // man working out on stationary bike © Thinkstock
Image: Thinkstock

While a lack of motivation stands between many new exercisers and their workout goals, others are plagued with the opposite effect: unbridled enthusiasm for fitness. But going too hard too fast can leave you sidelined with an injury—and no closer to your goal than when you started. Taking baby steps toward your desired workout will help build the strength, endurance, and confidence you need to get moving without burning out.

“The same principles apply whether you are running a 5-K or climbing Mount Everest,” says Leigh Crews, a spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise. “Start slow, push yourself just a little each session, pay attention to how you feel, and don’t continue to do something when it hurts.” Also find just the right amount of rest, she says. “Give yourself plenty of recovery time between sessions, but not too much. Lack of motivation is not recovery. Get back out there and do it!”

The bottom line: Pick a similar (but less intense) activity, master it, and then move on to tackling the real deal. Here are five examples of how a little patience can lead to a big payoff.

Fact or Fiction? Slow lifting builds huge muscles and squats kill your knees. Learn the truth!

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