I know aerobic exercise is healthy for me, but I don’t know how to start. I've picked out physical activities I love doing and I’m ready to become healthy and fit. But, wait a second. Aren’t there other keys to exercise success that I need to know? Aren’t there certain techniques that will aid my workout routine? Right you are! In this article, I will give you a few, simple tips to increasing the success of your fitness routine. Follow these pieces of advice while exercising and you’ll be in great shape before you know it!

First of all, a good 5-minute warm-up lends itself to additional calorie burning and avoiding injury. By beginning your physical activity slowly, you increase your core body temperature, which leads to more efficient calorie burning. You heat your muscles, increasing their flexibility for increased, vigorous stretching. A warm-up increases blood flow and speeds up your metabolism; you're less likely to have fatigue-causing lactic acid build up in your muscles when you warm up properly. It will also help you burn glucose and fatty acids for energy, the fuel of choice when you want to lose weight.

Dress for success

Comfortable, breathable, supportive clothes are the key to exercise success.
Most importantly, proper footwear is integral to a successful, well-rounded workout. Remember, if your feet hurt, you hurt, and if you hurt, you can wave goodbye to your exercise session. For the best results, go to your local athletic footwear store and get fitted for a pair of shoes with the right cushioning and support for your activity.
Also, consider investing in a supportive sports bra, which will eliminate uncomfortable bouncing. Wear light, cool clothing in the heat but wear removable layers when there's a chill in the air.

The Rhythm is Gonna Get Ya

Though you shouldn't wear headphones during street exercises such as walking (they prevent you from hearing important sounds like oncoming cars and dogs), listening to music while on a stationary bike or treadmill can boost your enthusiasm and thus your calorie burn. Research studies show that people who listen to fast-tempo music exercise longer before fatiguing. There's also an even better advantage: they feel like the exercise is easier, though the intensity is the same. Try exercising to African or Cuban dance music, which provide good steady beats and driving momentum for your workout.

Stick with the Buddy System

Research shows that the single most important factor in sticking with an exercise program for the first year is having the support of friends and family. You’re even more likely to succeed if you have a friend or a family member working out with you. Make walking dates after work to de-stress with your girlfriends, plan family hikes on the weekends, ask your husband to strength train with you. You'll grow closer as you get healthy together.

Talk to your training partner regularly and make sure you're gaining without pain. Exercise can be stimulating, even challenging, but it should never be painful. A good routine will leave you feeling energized and satisfied with your accomplishment, not fatigued and exhausted. If you experience pain in your muscles or joints, stop your exercise routine immediately. Give yourself a few days to recover, and ease back into it. If the pain is consistent for a period of time, see your doctor, who will treat you and even recommend an alternative exercise. There's an activity to suit everyone's physical needs.

Move More to Lose More

To lose about a pound a week, you need to burn about 250 calories a day, simultaneously trimming about the same amount of calories from your daily diet. Burn a little more, and you'll lose a little more. The chart below shows how many calories you can melt away just by enjoying everyday activities (based on a 140-pound woman's body demographics).

Activity Calories Burned per Hour

Baking 159
Cleaning the garage 255
Cleaning the house 159
Office work (copying, filing) 153
Painting (interior) 191
Playing indoor games with the kids 159
Playing tag with the kids 318
Pushing the baby stroller 159
Shopping at the mall1 53
Trail walking 318
Vacuuming 159
Walking the dog 191
Washing the car 254
Washing the dishes 153

Try any of these familiar activities for a natural way to get started on better health and fitness, and you'll find that after the initial push through any natural patterns of inactivity, your exercise options get easier and easier, and you start to feel better - your body wants to get a workout, so give it a hand!

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