There are a number of different ways to get physically fit. Beginning an effective fitness routine, and sticking with it is not as difficult as you may think. Following these tips will get you started.

When thinking about fitness, make a mental picture of what you want to accomplish. In other words, think about your goal. You will focus on getting there instead of thinking about how hard it is. Setting up a goal will push you to continue with your fitness routine until you achieve it.

Don’t be fearful. Biking is a fantastic alternative for those seeking another way to improve their fitness. Bicycling is an inexpensive and enjoyable alternative to transportation to work. Consider this: a ten mile commute should take about an hour by bicycle. This will give you a two hour workout each day!

If you have never worked out before, consider buying one or two sessions with a trainer to learn proper form and good exercises to use while you are starting out. The trainer will also help you set goals and determine what exactly you need to do to reach those goals. The first time you go to the gym might be intimidating, but it can be less so if you learn the ropes from a professional. This is a great way to start your fitness plan off.

Don’t lift weights for longer than one hour. Also, after an hour of weight lifting, muscle wasting can occur. For these reasons you want to try to stick to under an hour with strength training.

If you have difficulty staying motivated to continue your fitness program, you should consider mixing things up with a variety of fitness classes. You do not want to fall into the same routine over and over, do something new and see what you like, or don’t like for that matter. Try taking a yoga or dance class to spice things up. If you really want to get creative you could try a kickboxing class. Keep in mind that you only need to try the course once to see if you like it, and you are still getting the benefit of weight loss during the process.

Using treadmills at home or at the gym is effective; however, running outdoors is even more effective. Treadmills offer convenience and are ideal for use during inclement weather, but running on the pavement is more beneficial.

A great first step to becoming more physically fit is to sign up for a variety of different beginner-level classes at your local gym. Once you’ve found an activity you enjoy, stick with it. Try to find classes that are held near your location.

When lifting weights, you will help muscle mass if you do a lot of reps with a light weight; that is in contrast to fewer reps with high weight. Endurance is a vital aspect of lifting, which you should not overlook. Many famous weight lifters use this technique.

Use these suggestions to get your fitness routine moving in high gear. Focus on including physical activity in your daily routine instead of viewing exercise as a weekly goal. As you progress in your fitness program, you’ll notice that you will gain energy and have better ability to cope with stress.