Do it yourself exercise

[00:01.46] It’s very common these days for people to have a gym regime.

[00:04.12] Whatever the drive behind it, whether health-related, performance-related or just plain vainglory, it is not uncommon for people to take some sort of regular exercise each week.

[00:17.66] But if you’ve never done it before, what’s the best way to go about it? Well, many people make use of a PT – that’s a personal trainer.

[00:27.76] This might be because they’re wet behind the ears or maybe they just don’t want the aggro of designing their own workout plan.

[00:36.26] A PT will create a bespoke plan for you based on your aims. They will tailor it to your current abilities and, better still, they will teach you how to move in a way that won’t incapacitate you.

[00:51.13] However, the trade-off with a PT is the price.

[00:54.85] Each hourly session can be steep considering the double whammy of having to pay both the PT and membership of the gym, too.

[01:04.68] If you are at all strapped for cash then regular sessions might be out of your budget.

[01:11.05] So what’s left? Well, if you have the grit for it, you can make your own regime.

[01:16.63] It’s relatively easy to do if you have the know-how. But before you do, here are some basic pointers.

[01:24.87] First, keep your fitness goal in mind. Are you looking to slim down, bulk up, get shredded or increase your abilities?

[01:35.23] Whatever it is, make sure the things you choose to do are in pursuit of that goal. Next, do your research. These days, social media is chock-full of fitness videos and advice.

[01:50.10] Watch as many of these as possible, but make sure to be a little critical of them – everyone has a different physique and what works for one may not work for another.

[02:02.59] Finally, keep your feet on the ground. Be patient with yourself and set realistic goals – it takes at least three months to see any realistic body changes.

[02:15.60] And don’t be overzealous – never work in pain – a good workout is difficult and challenging, but never painful.

[02:25.16] Pain means you are damaging yourself.

[02:28.35] If nothing else, focus on calisthenics – these are the basic body movements which everyone can do anywhere, even at home.

[02:36.85] They include squats, push-ups, pull-ups and crunches, among other things.

[02:42.69] Do as many of one exercise as you can without stopping, and then try and repeat that number twice more – make sure you sweat, and don’t forget to rest for a minute in between!