At the gym, you might use an exercise bike or treadmill or other aerobic equipment at a light intensity to warm up your muscles before you stretch. At home, take an easy 5-minute walk to get the blood moving in your legs, then do your stretches.
Learn more about preparing for exercise here.
June 25, 2017: How should I go about choosing a piece of exercise equipment?
Make your selection of an exercise machine based on comfort and ease of operation. Try each machine for 10—15 minutes at the store or at your gym. If it feels natural and comfortable, you’re more likely to use it.
Learn more about exercise here.
June 24, 2017: I’d like to begin walking for exercise. Where should I start?
If you’re just starting a walking program, try the technique of walking for five minutes in one direction, then turning around and walking five minutes back to your starting point. When your 10-minute round-trip walk starts feeling easy, increase it to six minutes out and six minutes back. Increase your distance by no more than 10% a week.
Learn more about walking for fitness here.
June 23, 2017: How much exercise should I aim to do?
The U.S. Surgeon General recommends doing 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (that makes you feel warm and slightly out of breath) each week. This breaks down to 30 minutes of activity 5–7 days per week — the activity can be done in one bout of 30 minutes or accumulated in two 15-minute bouts or three 10-minute bouts.
Learn about sticking to an exercise plan here.
June 22, 2017: What should I wear to a yoga class?
Dress for yoga in loose or stretchy, comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. Ask your yoga teacher about alternatives to practicing barefoot, such as wearing nonslip socks. People with existing foot problems may also want to consult their health-care provider before doing yoga poses that put pressure on the feet.
Learn more about yoga here.
June 21, 2017: How can I find a yoga class that’s right for me?
If you live in a small town or suburban area, try your local YMCA, health clubs, or community centers for yoga classes. Most metropolitan areas have a number of yoga studios. If you’re not ready to sign up, ask about observing a class or even taking a trial class to see if you like it.
Learn more about yoga here.
June 20, 2017: How much fluid should I be taking in during exercise?
The amount of water you drink should approximately equal the amount of fluid lost in sweat and urine. To get a sense of how much this is, weigh yourself nude before and after exercise; drink 2 cups of water for every pound lost.
Learn more about exercise here.
June 19, 2017: What type of exercise should I do if I’m trying to lose weight?
If you’re trying to lose weight, an exercise program that includes aerobic activity as well as some type of calisthenics or weight lifting will probably help you the most.
Learn about burning fat through exercise here.
June 18, 2017: When is the best time to exercise?
The best time to exercise is the time you are most likely to do it. If exercising at night fits your schedule better, then by all means do it then. If getting a workout first thing in the morning makes you feel more energetic, all the better.
Learn more about sticking to an exercise plan here.
June 17, 2017: How can I be sure I’m exercising at the appropriate level of difficulty?
Whenever you exercise, try to work to the point where you feel warm and slightly out of breath. If you do, you can be sure that you’re doing the best you can to burn lots of fat and glucose, increase your level of fitness, and improve your health.
Learn more about exercise here.
