For a long time, many people considered fitness to be the realm of professional athletes. These days, it seems like everyone is interested in getting fit and starting any number of the new fitness crazes that pop up. Take a look at these helpful tips, they’ll provide a solid framework for your fitness journey.

When looking for another way to improve fitness sometimes one needs to look no further than their pet dog. By taking the dog on walks around the neighborhood or specific trails an individual can increase the amount of exercise they and their pet get. Apart from all the extra exercise and the benefits from that one will strengthen the bond between owner and their pet.

Create a garden oasis. Gardening is a great workout. For example, a garden requires weeding, digging and a lot of squatting. Gardening is one of a lot of things people can do from home to stay physically fit.

A good way to make sure you routinely do as much as you can to get fit is to take a friend to the gym with you. When you take friends to workout with you they not only make sure you don’t slack on going to the gym, but they help motivate you when you’re there as well. Working out together also relieves the stress and anxiety of going to the gym alone.

Work on keeping your muscles limber by holding your stretches. For those under 40, try holding your stretches for about 30 seconds. For those over 40, try holding them for about 60 seconds. The reason for the time difference is that muscles lose their pliability as you grow older and can become strained or receive injury more easily than when you’re younger.

If you put these tips into action, you’ll have a sturdy foundation for any fitness routine. Make sure to make fitness a part of your life by committing to the days and times that you will exercise, as well as making sure to eat right. Getting fit will make you feel great! What are you waiting for?