Need a bit of motivation to get you started on a smart fitness plan? We’ve put together these tips that will inspire you to embark on a journey of better health and a stronger body. If you’re ready, let’s hit the ground running, and begin to reach our fitness goals!

Don’t push yourself too hard when you are working out. While pushing yourself to your limits can be a good thing, be aware of those limits. Build your strength and stamina up gradually. If you intend on exercising daily, pushing yourself too hard only serves to discourage and tire you out the next day.

In order to maximize your fitness routine, be sure to always stretch. Stretching will help to prevent injury. Many times you may think that you do not have to stretch, or that if your exercise is light enough that your body will stretch itself. This is never the case, and becomes more important the older you get. Always stretch to prevent injury and get the most out of your workout.

In order to get the most out of a fitness routine, be sure to work on your core. This is your abdominal region, and pretty much everything except for your limbs. It is important, because this region is used to stabilize the rest of your body, and it also is imperative to maintaining a healthy back. Be sure to check with a doctor to find out which core exercises suit you the best.

Don’t rush your exercises. While working out faster may help you burn more calories right away, you’ll tire yourself out quicker and end up burning less in the long run. Plus, if you rush through any type of exercise you run a higher risk of injuring yourself while working out.

These fitness tips should inspire you to take a look at your fitness efforts with a fresh eye, work on things that need improving, and ramp up the routines that are working for you. Your goals are in sight, now, you just have to stick to your plan. Good luck!