Ramp Up
A few things to keep in mind before ramping up your routine:
- Start out slow. Your body will adjust to the new level of activity.
- Warm up before you get moving–whether it’s by shrugging your shoulders, touching your toes, swinging your arms or marching in place. If you’re going for a brisk walk, warm up by walking at a slower pace, then build up speed as you go along.
- Cool down gradually when you’re ready to stop. Stretching, walking slowly, and other low-intensity movements help you relax, recover for the next workout, and avoid muscle cramps and pulls (because a workout should make you feel better, not worse).
- Pat yourself on the back when you’re finished–even if you think you could have done better. Maybe you got tired during your walk or couldn’t shovel the whole driveway. Remember, any movement counts.
