Build a Base and Then Get Specific

Build a Base and Then Get Specific

If you’ve never worked out before, the concept of different kinds of workouts to accomplish different aspects of your goal might seem totally intimidating. Balancing the need for increased endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility is not instinctive to someone breaking out of a no-exercise lifestyle. Good beginning routines are offered at many gyms and also are available on tape. These programs virtually always begin with a warm-up, include a short aerobic section, feature light weight work, and finish with a stretch and cool-down. “You can do it!” is the major motivational theme of entry-level programs that will help you build a base from which to launch a major assault on weight, conditioning, and stamina problems.
Once you have built that base, you will begin making your workouts longer and stronger. If you like, you can begin to divvy them into aerobic and strength training days. Not only does this add variety to your workout week, it also gives your muscles time to recover. Some people like a two-day cycle; others prefer a three-day cycle.
Workout veterans tend to do these categories on alternate days. Some people like to do a full weight workout one day and an intense aerobics workout the next; others prefer one day of lower-body strength training, one day of upper-body strength training, and one day of cardiovascular work.