5 Principles to Create an Effective Exercise Program

Get started now! If you are starting out for the very first time, start small with simple choices and goals. Develop a “master plan” for later when your body is ready for a well-developed, more complex exercise plan.
Remember: Decisions are not made until action is taken. Your decision to get fit is admirable, as is your newfound need to endlessly discuss the finer issues of training with everyone you know. The real decision to work out begins when you actually do the work!

2. EMBRACE THE “I” OF THE TIGER

There may not be an “I” in Team but the “I” in exercise means your program should be all about you.
More than just a pronoun, the “I” stands for the principle of individualization. In order to create an effective exercise program, the program needs to be custom crafted for your body, any limitations, and your goals. Select exercises and daily routines that ensure progressive strength and conditioning attainment, but never leave out the element of fun – it will keep you engaged long after the first few weeks!

3. DO NOT RESIST RESISTANCE TRAINING

Avoid the temptation of skipping resistance training (strength training or weight lifting). Regardless of the term, resistance training is the way you preserve muscle mass and tone – and it is the smartest way to burn more calories throughout the day!
If your vehicle to fitness is propelled by how you want to look, then remind yourself that lean muscle mass (from resistance training) is your ticket to slim-city. Muscle weighs more than fat, so don’t be fixated on the scale if you incorporate resistance training into your workout regimen. The additional meat on your bones means you will burn more calories as you go about your day.
As we age, muscle volume declines due to hormonal and environmental factors. Similarly, bone density declines as we age leaving us vulnerable to brittle bone breakage and late-life debilitation, especially in females. For proper stimulation, bones and muscles require the challenge of progressive resistance training.

4. INTENSITY

There is enormous benefit to working in short intense bursts in addition to steady state work. You can lose more weight, improve your cardiac function, and even help modulate insulin levels when you perform brief, high intensity, exercise intervals. The next time you’re on a bike, elliptical, treadmill, stair-climber, or erg, try pushing really hard for 10 to 30 seconds and then go slow for the next minute.

5. RECIPROCAL MOVEMENT

Where there is a Yin, there should also be a Yang. Balancing muscles groups should not be a reaction, but a plan. When you work opposing muscle groups together you will help prevent your body from developing muscle imbalances. For instance, if you forget to pull with every push you may suffer from a weak back and excessively tight chest.
One option to easily program push movements with pulling movements is by working the reciprocal muscles in tandem. Try exercise circuit, using the following machines together in your workout:
Row and Chest Press
Shoulder Press and Lat Pulldown
Leg Extension and Leg Curl
Hip Abduction and Hip Adduction
Chest Fly and Rear Delt

Have Fun! Be Active! Be Healthy!

Be YOU!

Train for Life