Master the Low & Slow Method for Ultimate Fitness – Times Herald

Achieving Your New Year Fitness Resolutions: Tips from Vallejo Fitness Experts

Setting New Year fitness resolutions? Vallejo fitness experts suggest starting low and slow. They recommend starting small, getting adequate rest, eating right, working out in groups, and engaging in fun activities to help you stay committed and achieve your fitness goals.

Berto Hernandez, owner of the Elev8 Training gym in Mare Island, says, “Warm up your body and gently ease into a workout routine. Begin with two to three workout sessions a week and take plenty of rest days to avoid burnout.”

Setting Achievable Fitness Goals

Jeff Burmann, owner of Pike Fitness in Hiddenbrooke Plaza, affirms the importance of setting achievable fitness goals. “Bite off only what you can chew. Start with a manageable lifestyle change and build from there. Scheduling your workouts and committing to them is crucial,” he advises.

The term “low and slow” is all about starting with lighter weights, especially for beginners. Lighter weights allow your body to adapt to the movements and give you a sense of achievement rather than exhaustion, adds Steve Burmann of Pike Fitness.

“Your workout program should lift your spirits, not leave you feeling like you’ve overdone it or strained a muscle,” advises Hernandez.

Importance of Sticking to Fitness Resolutions

Research from the Baylor College of Medicine reveals that a staggering 88% of people don’t stick to their New Year’s resolutions. Vallejo fitness experts recommend starting easy and gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts.

“Make your resolutions easy and achievable by taking small steps,” advises Dr. Asim Shah, a professor at Baylor College. According to Shah, the most common reason people fail to achieve their fitness resolutions is that the goals are too ambitious or idealistic.

Staying the Course: Tips from Fitness Experts

Working out in a group environment can be beneficial. Running with a group or participating in a fitness class can make it feel like a team activity, increasing the likelihood of consistency and commitment, advises Hernandez.

Jeff Burmann adds, “Having a workout partner can help keep you accountable. Training with a friend or a significant other increases the chances of consistency in the long term.”

Working with a personal trainer is also a good idea. Trainers can ensure that your workouts are individualized and hold you accountable. Both the Burmann brothers have been certified personal trainers with the National Strength and Conditioning Association for over 16 years.

Hernandez suggests, “To avoid dropping out, engage in activities you enjoy.” Fueling your body properly is critically important for physical performance, fat burning, and muscle building, he adds.

The Role of Nutrition and Recovery in Fitness

Chad Brinkerhuff, personal training director for City Sports Vallejo, advises on the importance of nutrition in fitness. He recommends reducing refined sugar and ensuring a good protein source in your diet.

“The vegetable, carbohydrate, and protein portions of your meals should be about the size of your palm to ensure portion control,” Brinkerhuff advises.

Recovery is another significant aspect of fitness. It doesn’t just mean taking days off; active recovery can involve moderate-paced walks on rest days. According to UC Health Today, the healing and strengthening of muscles occur during rest and recovery, not during exercise.

“The magic happens during rest, not workout,” affirms Steve Burmann. “Our goal is to get people into a workout routine that they can maintain for the rest of their lives.”