You don’t need to be a fitness expert to get results. Armed with a bit of basic info, you can start seeing progress quickly, which can make all the difference when it comes to staying motivated and sticking with your goals.
Read on for answers to common beginner questions about working out and getting fit. These are verified workout tips you can actually trust.
How often do I need to work out?
Anything is better than nothing, but shoot for at least three times a week, and remain active (by walking, doing yoga, etc.) every day. Working out more often can lead to faster results — as long as you’re smart about it.
Once you’ve nailed your fitness goals, it’s okay to scale back a little — but not completely. To maintain your progress, you must keep your activity level high.
How long should my workouts be?
The answer depends entirely on how hard you’re willing to work. According to a recent study, 20 minutes of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) — which alternates short bursts of intense effort with periods of low-intensity rest — produced a similar reduction in body fat as 40 minutes of continuous, moderate to vigorous exercise.
In short, if you’re someone who can “bring it,” you can slash your workout time in half.
What’s the best time of day to work out?
This one is easy: The best time of day to work out is the time when you can do so consistently. Are you a a morning personal or a night person? Do you like working out before classes or after?
Bottom line: There is no best time for everyone, but there is a best time for you.
What should I eat before a workout?
It depends. If it’s a light workout, you should be able to power through it without extra fuel. But if you’re going to hit it hard and keep hitting it for a while, eat a healthy snack that contains a mixture of carbs and protein (e.g., apple slices with peanut butter) one to three hours before you begin.
I’m hella sore from my last workout. Should I go hard, go easy, or take a rest day?
It depends on your level of soreness. A little bit of movement can boost your circulation and shorten recovery time, so resist the urge to just sit on the couch if your soreness is minimal to moderate.
Instead, opt for a light workout, and be sure to stretch and/or foam roll afterward.
If you’re completely hobbled or concerned that you might have pulled a muscle, go ahead and rest — your body needs a recovery day (or days) now and then.
But also know this: No workout should leave you hella sore. If you feel excessively sore after you work out, you pushed yourself too hard. Dial back the intensity next time.
Also, don’t think that more soreness equals greater gains. Soreness is a poor indicator of workout quality or effectiveness.
What’s better for losing weight — cardio or strength?
Strength training will always trump steady-state cardio (think: jogging, running, cycling) when it comes to shedding pounds. But why pick one when you can choose both?
