A Beginner’s Guide to Working Out

The world seems to have gone workout mad. Rather than languish on the couch while the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, lots of us are channeling our energy into strict exercise regimes to keep our bodies toned and our mental health in check.

We believe that working out regularly is a smart lifestyle choice that will help you to feel great, whatever your size, shape, age, or gender. However, getting fit safely requires careful preparation and planning. If you’re yet to catch the workout bug but are keen to move your body, we’ve put together a handy guide to get you started.

The benefits of working out

There is solid consensus across the field of medicine that exercise is good for you. As well as aiding weight loss and maintaining muscle mass, regular physical activity may produce the following benefits:

• Improved management of insulin and blood sugar levels.
• Reduced risk of developing heart issues such as heart attack, coronary artery disease, and high cholesterol.
• Reduced blood pressure.
• Improved mood and reduced risk of depression.
• Better brain function and improved memory.
• Stronger bones.
• Reduced risk of developing certain cancers including lung, uterine, colon, and breast cancer.
• Improved sleep.

If this all sounds too good to be true, take a look at this article from Harvard Medical School extolling the benefits of an active lifestyle. Exercise truly is the best medicine for overall health and wellness, and there are plenty of enjoyable ways you can start moving your body today.

What sort of exercise should you be doing?

Before you start exercising, you must come up with a realistic plan that takes into account factors such as your age, weight, current fitness levels, and any chronic health conditions. If you have a health issue that makes moving certain parts of your body painful, for example, you should try to find an exercise that suits your condition. 

It’s also a good idea to pursue a sport that you enjoy, as this will boost both your mental health and your chances of reaching your goals. If you’re a particularly sociable person, for example, you may wish to find a team sport you enjoy – you may even get good enough to compete! If you’re looking for love, you could even join a dance class and use your weekly exercise sessions as an excuse to meet new people! The opportunities are endless, and there’s a workout routine out there for everyone. Here’s how to find your niche:

1. Book a health checkup with your doctor

It is a good idea to undergo a general medical examination before embarking on a new exercise regime, particularly if you are over the age of 45. Checkups can detect any underlying health issues that could put you at risk of injury and your doctor may offer some helpful advice about finding an exercise plan that meets your needs.

2. Set some goals

What do you want out of your new active lifestyle? Would you like to run five miles without stopping? Are you keen to make new friends? Perhaps you’d simply like to climb the steps up to your apartment without getting breathless? 

Whatever your ambitions, write your goals down and remind yourself of them whenever the going gets tough. Completing what you set out to achieve feels amazing and will push you to get even fitter in the future! 

3. Find a workout that you enjoy

There are lots of different types of exercise out there, each of which comes with specific benefits. Yoga, for example, is great for flexibility, balance and strength, while jogging can help look after your cardiovascular system and strengthen certain muscles. 

If you are relatively young and don’t have any physical limitations, you should try to develop a routine that incorporates the following types of physical activity:

• Strength training: This will help to boost your muscle mass and includes activities such as weightlifting, sprinting, and resistance training. 
• Aerobic exercise: Also known as cardio, this type of exercise is one of the most important when it comes to weight loss and reducing your risk of developing certain diseases. Anything that involves continuous movement and raises your heart rate counts as cardio. Good examples include running, dancing, swimming, and team sports such as soccer and basketball.
• High-intensity interval training (HIIT): HIIT involves doing low-intensity exercise such as jogging and interspersing it with short bursts of high-intensity activity like sprinting. It is a good option for busy people who would like to optimize their workouts, as it is more efficiently than regular cardio. 
• Calisthenics: These are simple body movements that combine aerobic and strength exercises. Examples include pull-ups and lunges.
• Balance training: Exercises such as tai chi and yoga can help to improve body coordination and strength.
• Flexibility training: Stretching and yoga can boost flexibility and reduce a person’s risk of injury.

4. Develop a habit

While you may be super excited to start exercising at first, maintaining a health regime can get tiring. Replacing an unhealthy habit at the same time as starting a new regime of physical activity is a good way to motivate yourself. If you smoke, drink a little more than you should, or have a problematic cookie addiction, exercising regularly could help you kick the habit. As you start to feel your body get stronger and more toned, your old vices will look less appealing. 

Another way to keep your motivation levels high is to time your exercise sessions appropriately. If you’re a busy professional and a naturally early riser, for example, starting the day with a run will boost your mood and leave you feeling ready to take on the world. If you’re keen to work out with your best friend, try to organize sessions well in advance to satisfy both of your schedules. 

What should you be wearing when you work out?

With so much activewear out there on the market, exercise rookies may feel a little lost when it comes to dressing appropriately for a workout session. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. Here are some useful guidelines for finding the best workout gear for you:

1. Invest in some decent sneakers

Don’t be fooled into purchasing shoes that offer style over substance. If you want to avoid injury, you need a pair of sturdy sneakers that will support your feet and minimize stress on your joints. Try on several pairs before making a decision and don’t be afraid to ask sales representatives for their professional advice. 

2. Find a sports bra that won’t let you down

Investing in several supportive sports bras is vital for boosting your confidence and avoiding breast pain while working out, particularly if you’re blessed with a bigger bust. Fortunately, YUCO has some winning bras to help optimize your workout. Our black liquid bra is one of our best-sellers thanks to its sturdy, breathable material and elegant cross-strapped back.

We also have an attractive berry option if bright colors are more your thing, as well as a figure-hugging crop top to keep you looking cute on the treadmill.

3. Legwear

So, what should you be putting on your legs? Leggings are one of the most popular workout garments for women as they look super sleek and sexy. At YUCO, we sell a selection of stylish leggings, each of which has been specially designed for comfort and affordability. Our liquid leggings are also great for achieving a faux leather look that can be glammed up for the evening. When the sun is scorching, our liquid biker shorts represent a fashionable alternative to leggings.

4. Tops

 At YUCO, we’re advocates for working out in a sports bra alone, as it is comfortable and liberating. However, when the weather is a little chillier, a tank top is a fantastic workout companion. We have a selection of attractive tank tops available to keep you feeling stylish and motivated even during the toughest of cardio sessions!

Good luck on your new workout journey!

At YUCO, we believe that all women deserve the opportunity to enjoy exercise and learn to love themselves, no matter their age or body type. Remember that setbacks are a natural part of life and you’re likely to feel a little demotivated at times. If you experience these feelings, throw on a pair of our gorgeous garments and get those endorphins flowing! You’ll be a workout guru in no time.