There seems to be a general thought that there are only two levels of fitness. Super fit and sit-on-the-couch-all-night. It’s this thought which can often lead people in the latter category to jump straight into a complete fitness-focused lifestyle at the first idea of improving their health and fitness.

And while the idea is solid, the execution often leads to injury.

If you are looking to improve your health and fitness levels, it’s important to know that there is a middle ground, and the below tips will help you reach it before you look to becoming the next Arnie!

Stretch

It doesn’t matter if you are about to start a heavy session of weightlifting, running around the block, walking to the store and back, or even from the couch to the kitchen. Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea.

Whatever level of exercise you will be doing, be sure that you stretch your whole body beforehand. Why your whole body? Because it takes a lot of muscles to keep your body in its current posture, and exercise puts additional pressure on these supporting muscles. For example, if you are looking to perform shoulder-flys then your core and your glutes will need to be active to support your posture and prevent injury.

Don’t Start With a Marathon

With their eyes on the final goal, the majority of fitness-enthusiasts take on their new lifestyle will full force. For instance, having a great idea in the morning on the way to work that you will improve your fitness turns into shopping for a new exercise outfit at lunch before arriving home and swapping the routine of couch-sitting for an exhausting run around the block.

And for the most part, these people arrive home after their run with a feeling of achievement. It isn’t until the next day when the pain and discomfort start to set in that they rue the day they ever started exercise and vow that they will never do it again!

Instead, take it slow. Real slow! If you currently do no exercise, consider walking around the block a few times after dinner a couple of nights a week ah achievement! Yes, an achievement! Improving your health and fitness isn’t about being super healthy and ridiculously fit, it is about simply improving your current fitness levels and routines.

Take it slow, gauge your body and current fitness level, and then ease into your routines.

Stay Motivated

Easier said than done, right?! Wrong! There is a multitude of ways to stay motivated. Smartphones from the Groupon Coupons page for AT&T have access to a range of powerful apps which can all utilize different phone functions and features to keep you motivated.

Of course, the classic idea of buying an item of clothing in your goal size is never a bad idea. However, don’t make the mistake which most people make and put it in your closet. It isn’t going to provide any motivation in there.  Instead, hang it somewhere prominent so that you can constantly be reminded of what you are working towards.

Changing your exercise and fitness routine, or even creating one, is a great way to improve your overall health and fitness. In addition to the above tips, be sure that you always listen to your body to ensure you don’t over exert yourself.