Sunday, August 7, 2011

Living a Healthy Lifestyle... It is Your Choice!

A person is not sentenced to be overweight and out of shape... they can choose to be fit. It's our choice! Let's be honest, we are who we are because of the past decisions we've made. We are in control and responsible for our actions. Choose to make health and fitness the top priority it should be.

The catalyst to adopting a healthy lifestyle is exercise. Once people get hooked on exercise, they resolve to eliminate anything that will negatively impact their results, such as smoking or poor diet. How do we adopt this passion for fitness? Unfortunately, there are no secrets for exercise success. It's simply a matter of making a decision to change and finding the commitment and consistency to make it a reality. In my years in the fitness field, the four primary barriers, or excuses, to exercise are boredom, lack of time, injuries and poor results.

Boredom - The result of doing the same thing over and over again. Change is not only good it is necessary!

Injury - Newcomers often suffer from what I call the Terrible Too's... they do too much, too soon, too fast... making them too sore! The end result equals stopping exercise.

Time - Lack of time, or more specifically, a perceived lack of time.

Results - Or lack thereof. This is a result of an ineffective exercise program or unrealistic expectations such as trying to lose 5 or more pounds per week.

To combat this quadruple quandary:


  • Develop a lifetime commitment to your health. Since the first time you brushed your teeth, you made it a habit twice a day. Make it the same for exercise. Schedule it in your daily planner or whatever hi-tech gadget you use. Regular exercise improves energy, trains your body to require less sleep and increases creativity and productivity. Sounds like a good time investment!

  • Our society is an "I want it right now" group. Unfortunately, fitness does not work that way. Remember to start slowly and progress gradually. It took awhile to get out of shape and it will take time to get back into shape.

  • To eliminate boredom and prevent injuries, your program has to include a variety of strength, aerobic and flexibility exercises. Don't be afraid to try new activities and change training programs every 6-8 weeks.

  • The best exercise is one that you enjoy. Because the goal is a lifetime commitment, it is imperative that you enjoy what you are doing. With all of the fitness options available, there is something for everyone.

  • Before beginning an exercise program check with your doctor. In addition, make sure you receive proper instruction on exercise technique and equipment usage from a qualified fitness professional.

Most of us know what to do to improve our health and fitness. Unfortunately, the vast majority of us choose not to do what we know. No more excuses.. start now! Resolve today to make the commitment to your health. If not for you, then do it for your family.


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