August Exercise Tips

Here are some tips from our Fitcorp experts on how to look better and feel better.

Less is more.
Make your workouts shorter but more frequent. Working out for 30 minutes per day for five days is recommended over two 75-minute workouts.

Make realistic goals.
Starting your exercise routine with the lofty goal of working out every day never works and is actually discouraged. Four or five times a week is most recommended because it gives your muscles a chance to recover. Start off small with two or three workouts a week, and work your way up. The same goes for food. Give yourself one or two "cheat" days and be self-disciplined the rest of the week.

Get outside.
Fit in a walk everyday- even if it's only for 10 minutes- to negate the central heating, poor ventilation and stress at work. Getting some fresh air will put you in a better mood and even help you sleep better at night.


Be consistent.
If you're trying to get rid of extra pounds, don't let more than two days pass without engaging in some type of exercise. Being consistent with your exercise schedule keeps your metabolism high, helping you burn fat.

Stretch.
Stretching is one of the most important, and most often ignored, aspects of exercising. Be sure to stretch before your workout to warm up your muscles, as well as after your routine. Hold stretches for between 30 and 90 seconds. Always stretch to the point of tension, never to the point of pain, and always remember to breathe. Stretching prevents soreness and injuries, as well as improves your flexibility.

Drink lots of water.
This seems like a no-brainer, but it is crucial to stay hydrated during a workout, especially in the hot summer months. Drink water or a sports drink an hour before your workout, throughout your workout, and after your workout. Water intake depends on many factors, like the duration and intensity of your workout and how much you sweat. As a general rule, we recommend drinking one glass with each meal, one glass between each meal, and extra glasses following exercise.