Exercise Q & A
Below are some common questions I get asked in relation to exercise:
Do you need equipment for an effective workout?
The simple answer is no! Equipment can add to a session but lots of goals can be achieved without any, or you can improvise with household objects. Plus, in the current situation fitness equipment is both hard to find and expensive. A bit of creativity and you will be surprised at what you can achieve.
Should I always warm/cool down?
Yes, it’s massively important! Gentle lowering of the heart rate is important as well as flushing the the body out of any lactic acid that has possibly built up. A gentle jog, even on the spot, and some basic stretches on each major muscle will not only finish that session well but will also set you up for your next session.
“I’ve just started jogging but I find I cannot go very far before I am out of breath and have to stop-how can I go further?”
Start extra slow-almost just a little bit faster than walking pace. It may seem silly to start with but it will allow you to go further. In addition, particularly in the colder weather, it will gradually open up your vessels to help your breathing.If you do get out of breath rather than stop, keep walking. Over time decrease how long you walk for and increase the time that you jog. You will soon be jogging for longer than you thought possible.
Do you have to push yourself as hard a possible every session-no pain no gain?
No-for most people there is no need to get that feeling of being sick, muscles burning and hardly being able to function after training. It increases your risk of injury, and in fact will affect your next training session/sessions. There is certainly a place to work hard but it’s finding the appropriate balance that’s important.
If you are an elite athlete and your sport involves you pushing yourself to that level then yes you need to push yourself but for most it doesn’t have to be to the limit.
Are alphabet workouts good?
No-if you are called Philippa and your workout partner is Amy it’s not very fair! In addition, you could end up doing several exercises in a row that do not go together. Get advice on a balanced workout rather than a potential overload on the same muscles.
