Get your new exercise routine off to the best start

The UK government advises that we should all aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity every week. Not quite hitting that target? Make 2025 the year you make it happen, but do it sensibly! Pushing yourself too far too soon can put you at risk of injury and completely derail your big plans for self-improvement.

The many benefits of regular exercise

There are so many benefits of exercising regularly – from improving your physical health, to boosting your mental health and self-confidence:

• It can help minimise your risk of a wide range of health issues: Exercising can cut your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, some cancers, osteoarthritis, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and clinical depression.
• It burns calories: Whether you’re looking to lose a little weight, tone up, or maintain a consistently healthy weight, exercise is a surefire way to burn calories.
• It can boost your energy: Exercise increases oxygen flow throughout the body and effectively elevates energy levels.
• It can improve your mood: Exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, including reducing anxiety and depression.

Pace yourself

If you have not exercised for some time, or if you have medical conditions or concerns, it’s important that you speak to your GP before embarking on any new exercise routine to make sure your activity and its intensity are appropriate for your fitness level. Once you’ve been given the go-ahead and you’re all set to get started, keep the following advice in mind:

1. Start slow: Doing too much too soon is almost guaranteed to lead to injury. Instead, follow a fitness plan that has been created for someone at your starting point.
2. Include rest days in your fitness schedule: It is important to give your body time to recover. This will enable your muscles to repair themselves, giving you a better chance of avoiding injury.
3. Listen to your body: When aches and pains pop up, don’t ignore them and don’t attempt to “push through the pain”. Muscle injuries can often be treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation. In some cases, your GP may recommend a steroid joint injection to reduce inflammation, pain and get you back on track.
4. Make it fun: When motivation starts to wane, it’s important to add fun to your fitness plan to keep it feeling fresh. Compiling a playlist of all your favourite songs or teaming up with a friend can be a good way to get that much-needed boost.
5. Set yourself a goal: Focusing on a goal and visualising it can be a great way of maintaining motivation when the going gets tough. Whether you’re aiming to complete your first 5k ParkRun or compete in a Hyrox event, just think of the sense of achievement you’ll feel when you reach your goal.

Speak to a GP

If you’d like to get your new exercise routine off to the best possible start, you can book an appointment at YourGP using our simple online booking system. Or you can email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 381 0322 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you. Embarking on a new fitness plan can be hard, but don’t give up – your mind and body will thank you for it for years to come!