Hello Everyone. Today’s article is a guest post from Elizabeth Lockwood.
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Fitness routines tend to cause different effects with different people, as we all react to exercise in unique, personal ways. For some, a long distance run may seem no more difficult than a walk in the park, but cycling 5 miles can be exhausting. Others might feel exactly the opposite! But despite this basic variance in personal workout reactions, there are some discomforts that are typical for a majority of people starting new fitness routines. In this article, we’ll look at 5 such discomforts and how to overcome them.
1. Boredom
This may not be a physical discomfort, but as a “mental discomfort” for lack of a better term, it’s something that commonly affects people starting workout routines. If you’re looking to get in shape – even if you’re diligent about it – progress can be slow, and the exercises themselves can quickly become monotonous. We’d suggest the following simple remedies for workout boredom:
- Music – The simplest solution is to find an appropriate playlist, purchase some workout headphones, and zone out to your favourite music while exercising. You can also try the new iTUNES Radio application for easy, automatic playlists.
- New Trails – If you’re going about an outdoor cardio routine, try to vary your trails. Running or cycling a new trail our route each day can keep things interesting.
- Sports – If possible, nix your gym workout in favour of organized competition! It’s hard to get bored when you’re competing with and against friends, and many count this as the easiest way to exercise without growing bored or disinterested.
2. Foot Blisters & Irritation
It’s not a pleasant topic, necessarily, but particularly for people starting new routines for the first time in a while, the friction and impact of cardio workouts can easily cause foot irritation and blisters. In some forms of exercise, this is inevitable – for example, if you’re starting off on a football team you’ll almost certainly experience some irritation from the boots you aren’t used to, and simply have to get used to it. However, for general irritation we’d suggest the following solutions:
- Try Moleskin – This little product can be stuck in shoes where you’re getting blisters to provide some extra cushion.
- Keep Fresh Socks – Seems obvious, right? Actually, quality exercise socks from brands like NIKE can be pretty expensive, so many wear out the old ones too long. However, holes in socks (or even thinned out socks) are sure paths to irritation.
3. Vision Issues
It’s not that exercising specifically brings up new vision issues. However, if you ordinarily require corrective vision, exercising can be a bit complicated. For example, if you suffer from astigmatism (a common condition that essentially means you have blurry vision), you may struggle to find a means of corrective vision that both suits your vision needs and works with your exercise routine.
Most glasses can be irritating and inconvenient during workouts, and sports goggles have limited options. One solution to overcoming this particular issue is to simply do your research. At ACUVUE online you’ll find discussions on astigmatism and other conditions, complete with methods of correction and contact lens recommendations.
4. Dehydration
This may seem like the most obvious issue and the easiest to solve on our list, but in reality it’s shocking how many people – even those experienced with exercise routines – fail to adequately hydrate. This can lead to light-headedness, general exhaustion, queasiness, cramping, and of course, excessive thirst, and is one of the biggest comfort issues facing exercisers.
Of course, the solution – the only solution – is to hydrate more effectively. But we’re not just suggesting you “drink more water” in general. The important thing is to remember to hydrate before your workout – not just during and after. It’s important to enter an exercise routine properly hydrated, because your body loses moisture so rapidly during exercise. Plus, there’s an added benefit for weight loss: a glass or two of water before a workout heightens your metabolism and helps you to burn fat more effectively!
About The Author:
Elizabeth Lockwood is a freelance writer, fitness junkie, and unofficial coffee connoisseur. She has several published articles on the topics of health and fitness. She enjoys traveling and hiking in her free time.