Health & Fitness 4 U

2007-09-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

2007-09-04T00:09:00.000-07:00

Every New Year, the local Leisure Centre, Sports Club and Gym are suddenly full to overflowing. Without exception, most of us are suffering badly from the excesses of the festive season, and have solemnly vowed that this year will be totally different.Admirable to decide to do something about it, but how long do these new found resolutions last?

Being active makes a person healthy and strong. It is not just for people who have a weight problem, but for everyone who likes to stay fit. However, in your overall fitness quest, continuity and consistency are more likely to prove to be effective, rather than just short bursts of activity initiated by a short period of over indulgence.

There is a lot you can do in your quest for fitness, such as jogging, or walking every morning, playing basketball, or any other sport with friends. If you also want to be muscular and look lean, then you can sign up and workout in a gym.

People workout for 3 reasons.

The person is overweight, and the only way to lose those extra pounds will be to reduce their calorie intake, and at the same time workout in the gym.
The person is underweight, and the only way to add extra pounds is to have more calories in their diet and workout as well.
Just for fun, and to keep themselves in general shape.

The best exercise routine should have cardiovascular and also weight training exercises in it. This helps burn calories, and increases the muscle to fat ratio that will increase metabolism, and thereby help to gain or lose weight as necessary. Just like taking any medication, you should first consult your doctor before undergoing any form of exercise.

The benefits of a good exercise routine.

It is the easiest way to maintain and improve your health from a variety of diseases, and reduce the risk of premature death.
Studies have shown that it helps to make people feel happier, and increases their self esteem, making it much less likely that they will suffer from depression or anxiety.
An active lifestyle contributes greatly to a longer healthier life.

The sad fact is, that despite the compelling evidence for this, many people don't engage in exercise of any description. Having said that, working out for someone who has not done it before, should be done gradually. Endurance and stamina will not be built in a day, but a sensible and consistent exercise routine as an integral part of your overall fitness quest, can only be beneficial to people of all age groups.

It is advisable to workout regularly therefore, and with a reasonable fitness diet maintained as part of that process.

Consult with a dietitian, or possibly a health professional, to really help plan a good diet program. This would most likely take into account the lifestyle and the general health of the person concerned, before deciding on any specific diet program. Afterwards, it would be thoroughly discussed and recommended to the client, and it would usually consist of an eating plan and an exercise program that does not require the use of supplements.

Avoid the need to purchase any expensive fitness equipment. I have used most of the available home workout equipment (as have most of my friends) and even though it is not necessary as long as you eat a well balanced diet, they do work but only if you work out for at least an hour for no less than 5 days per week. You will develop a more toned physique and burn off fat with an established and regular exercise regime, in conjunction with a nutritious and balanced diet.

A good diet program should have food from all the food groups.

Carbohydrates. The food consumed in a well balanced diet should have vitamins, minerals, and fibre. A lot of this can come from oats, rice, potatoes and cereals. The best still comes from vegetables and fruits, since these have phytochemicals, enzymes and micronutrients that are essential for a healthy diet.
Fat. Comes from mono and poly saturated food sources, rather than animal fats. Since fat contains more than double the number of calories, this should be taken in small quantities to gain or lose weight.

Another way to stay healthy is to give up some obvious vices. Many people smoke and drink often to excess. Smoking has been proven to cause lung cancer and other diseases, as well as complications for women giving birth. Excessive drinking has also been shown to do the same!

In conclusion, I come back to continuity and consistency, in both your eating plans and your exercise routines. Moderation in all things still carries a great deal of weight, even in today's fast moving society.

Personally, I exercise for 1 hour 5 days every week. I don't feel bad if I miss a day, I guess its my body telling me not to do it today. You have to listen to your body. But I do try to work twice as hard next time I step on my Lateral Thigh Trainer. I felt the difference with this workout within a few days and after 1 week I was showing toned muscle mass on my shoulders, legs, back and top of the arms (wiggle city - nasty!). My waist shrank and tummy almost back to its pre-pregnancy shape within 6 weeks. It doesn't happen overnight, longevity is the key to permanent weight loss. Stick at it, it really does work.

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Happy Workouts!