Write an article based on this "Aim to work out 3 days per week. Add both cardio and strength training to your routine. Schedule your workout into your day. Sign up for fitness classes to motivate yourself. Start with short workouts that you're likely to complete. Set mini-goals during your workout."
Setting a manageable goal, like exercising 3 times a week, makes it more likely that you'll meet your goal, because you won't feel discouraged if you miss a day. When you are able to work out without feeling pressured, you might even find that you're motivated to work out more often than your goal! In general, you should do 150 minutes of cardio a week, and add resistance training on at least 2 days of the week. When you're focusing on getting in shape, it's important to balance endurance training, or cardio, with strength training exercises like lifting weights. Some workouts will have both, like a well made Zumba workout or circuit training. Combining resistance training and cardio is a great way to do both at once. Jump squats, burpees, and mountain climbers can be added into your cardio routine. Crossfit and circuit training are other options. Depending on your level of fitness, it's perfectly OK to start with just one type of exercise. You might want to start by just walking, or a 15 minute strength workout you found on YouTube. Aim for a well balanced workout, but start wherever works for you. Life can get hectic, and you probably have a lot going on in your day. You plan meetings for work, doctors' appointments, and even lunch with your friends, so make working out a priority by scheduling time for your workout. Working out doesn't have to take a lot of time out of your day. Schedule 20 minutes into your day 10 minutes for a high-intensity workout, and 10 minutes for a quick shower. One way to motivate yourself to work out is to put your money on the line. If you sign up for a class you have to pay for even if you don't attend, you'll find yourself feeling more inclined to show up. Fitness classes are also a great way to find a supportive community, and you get the benefit of a trainer who can critique your form. Look for fitness classes that combine cardio and resistance training. Circuit classes and Crossfit may be good options. Depending on your interests, you could try yoga classes, spin class, kickboxing, or dance lessons. Don't try to force yourself to work out for an hour the very first time you exercise. Instead, start with small goals that you feel are manageable, like doing 10 jumping jacks and 10 push-ups. The next day, try to increase the number to 15 of each, and add in 10 squats. Spending 20 minutes on the treadmill might seem intimidating if you're out of breath 2 minutes in. Instead of focusing on the big picture, tell yourself you can make it to 3 minutes, then 5, then 7. If you need to, slow your pace during the workout so you can keep going and meet your goals.