Striving to become physically fit involves a great deal more than just lifting weights at the gym. To see the best results and reach your fitness goals, you need to combine a good understanding of fitness with the strength and willpower to persevere. All the information in this article will give you the tools you need to find great fitness success!

Try counting calories to promote fitness. Staying aware of your calorie intake will help you understand weight fluctuations on the scale. When you only use calories at your level of maintenance or lower, and you lose some while you exercise, you will find you are fitter sooner.

Begin with smaller machines when you start weight lifting. Your smaller muscles get tired before larger ones do, so it makes sense to start with dumbbells or barbells before the bigger machines, for example. By doing this, your smaller, more delicate muscle groups can rest while you work out your larger muscles.

Try various types of exercise classes to stay motivated and excited. By changing things up you’ll be able to try new things while getting fit, and will want to keep exercising. Try a dancing class or spinning. A class in kickboxing or a “boot camp” program may be the perfect fit for you. Keep in mind that you only need try each type of class one time, and you will lose weight while you are doing it.

The basics of bodybuilding: Build muscle mass by simultaneously doing fewer reps and lifting more weight. First, pick a muscle group, like your pectoral muscles. Warm up by lifting lighter, easier to lift weights. Your warm up should included 15 to 20 reps. Change to a heavier weight for the next set. You should only be able to do 6 to 8 repetitions at this weight. For your third set, add five more pounds of weight.

Write down your results after every workout. Record your daily work outs, and be sure you add in all the extra exercises you do each day. If you wear a pedometer, you can also record your steps each day and constantly strive to increase your count. This type of written accountability will help you understand your total progress as you move towards your end goal.

Wear the right shoes when you work out. Protect your legs, feet and back from injury by choosing footwear designed for the activity you are engaged in. They also provide the correct cushioning for your feet so that you are more apt to stick with the workout due to comfort, rather than giving up.

Add many intervals of lighter weight, as opposed to heavier weights and less repetitions, when lifting weights. This will help you see results more quickly. When you are wanting to build muscle mass you want endurance rather than simply being able to show you can lift heavy weights. Many famous weight lifters use this technique.

One fun exercise is kickboxing. Kickboxing requires a lot of physical movements and is a very good workout. You can lose a lot of weight and build strength with this fun workout.

Avoid fad diets or excessive exercise programs. Now that you’ve read this article and know what it takes you’ll be able to set up a routine and easily reach your goals in no time!