Living an active life
Those who engage in regular physical activity are rewarded with numerous physical and psychological benefits. Exercise helps with weight loss, increases endurance, and strengthens muscles.
However, less obvious positive effects also arise: those who incorporate a workout session during the day are rewarded with better and deeper sleep at night. Furthermore, exercise increases dopamine and serotonin levels. This reduces stress and the risk of depression. In addition, exercise increases resistance to cortisol, a stress hormone. And exercise lowers cholesterol levels.
To stay fit, there is an almost endless range of options available today. New trend sports are constantly establishing themselves in the fitness landscape. Almost all sports can be divided into two categories: anaerobic training and aerobic training. Aerobic training involves exercises performed over a longer period, i.e., endurance sports. Anaerobic training requires short bursts of energy and is primarily for muscle building.
Strength training
When one thinks of strength training, the classic ‘muscle forge’ quickly comes to mind. This notion is outdated. Today, the focus is increasingly less on training with machines. Instead, natural movement patterns are favored. Whether training takes place at home or in a gym is a personal decision.
One of the main advantages of a gym is professional advice. Furthermore, assistance is provided here in developing training plans. The selection of fitness equipment in most gyms is more than sufficient. Various endurance sports equipment and numerous machines that can specifically target individual muscles are available.
However, gyms naturally also have disadvantages. First and foremost are the costs. Added to this is the usually long minimum contract duration. During peak hours after work, gyms can also become quite crowded, resulting in waiting times for equipment. It is advisable to visit potential gyms during these times before making a choice.
Endurance training
While strength training primarily serves muscle building, endurance training targets the cardiovascular system. With every step, you strengthen your heart and ensure that it can work more strongly and efficiently.
Whether jogging, swimming, rowing, or cycling – essentially, the best sport is always the one you enjoy. If you have fun with it, your willingness to stick with it regularly over a longer period increases.
Our tips for movement
Those who follow a few simple tips will remain injury-free and can soon look forward to initial successes.
Do not overdo
Even if one is usually very motivated at the beginning, too much enthusiasm can often be detrimental. It is better to gradually accustom the body to the strain. Initially, perform shorter, less intensive sessions and then slowly increase.
Lay out the doctor
Better safe than sorry. Those who plan to engage in intensive sports should have a prior check-up with their doctor. This way, illnesses or injuries can be detected early.
Choosing the right shoes
Many endurance sports involve a lot of running. Accordingly, it is important to pay attention to the right equipment. Professional advice at a sports store is always recommended. Those who have a foot misalignment can have it examined by an orthopedist and get shoe inserts prescribed.
Do not train when oll
Even if it is difficult to skip a workout, one should refrain from training when ill. Especially febrile viral infections often affect the heart. This can lead to life-threatening myocarditis.
Train with friends
Nothing is more motivating than training with friends. Endurance sports, in particular, are perfectly suited for this. If suitable partners are lacking in one’s circle of acquaintances, running groups or sports clubs are the perfect point of contact.
