Too much exercise too quickly can cause damage to muscles and tissues and put you out of action before you’ve even got started.
It is vital that you build up to any session of moderate to strenuous exercise with gentle aerobic exercise.
If you are planning a work-out in the gym, spend 15-20 minutes on the running machine or exercise bike.
Start off slowly and increase your speed gradually throughout the session.
Do some simple and gentle stretching or loosening exercises to limber up for any weight training.
When you have finished training, don’t just pack your bag and go. Help cool down your body and reduce your heart rate to a normal pace with a series of gentle movements. Taking a slow, relaxing swim or quick yoga session are two good ways of cooling down after exercise.
Exercise will make you sweat – so it’s important you replace the fluid you lose during a session as soon as possible. You should take sips of water throughout your exercise session.
Have a few glasses of water after exercise will also help to cool you down. Your body dehydrates during exercise so it is important to restore fluid levels.
Use an effective isotonic drink that will help boost energy levels at the end of a strenuous exercise session. Regular training can deplete the muscle’s store of carbohydrate and lead to fatigue, but replacement of glycogen stores within 2-3 hours of every work out will help keep energy levels topped up.
