First steps to exercise

Taking your first steps to exercise can be a bit daunting - everyone else looks like they know exactly what they are doing, the equipment is strange, there's even a new language to learn. But there are simple things you can do to make it easier.

When you are taking your first steps to exercise, it helps to have a bit of advice. When everything is new, where do you start?

The first thing to do is realize that you are not the first person to experience this - staff are used to helping new customers, so don't be afraid to ask questions.

All you really need to get started are some comfortable clothes and a good pair of trainers. If you are expecting to sweat a bit you can take a small towel, and of course a water bottle. Now all you need is enthusiasm and you're ready to go!

Borg scale   The Borg Scale rate of perceived exertion is a convenient way for you rate how hard you are exercising, allowing you to compare easily from one workout to the next.   More on borg scale...

Warm up & cool down   Every workout should begin with a warm up and end with a cool down in order to allow your body to adjust properly to the demands of the exercise. Active enough?   More on warm up & cool down...

The basics of exercise   Are you looking at the basics of exercise? Start here to find out more.   More on the basics of exercise...

How much exercise   How much exercise do you need? It depends on your goals, although three sessions per week should be the minimum for anyone.   More on how much exercise...

Start exercising   When you start exercising it is important to ease yourself into your workouts, to allow your body to adjust to the new demands you are placing on it.   More on start exercising...