Fitness

[Gracie Updyke]

Starting an Exercise Plan—Just Do It!

How long? How often? How much? How hard? are all common questions that are asked when starting an exercise plan. Did you know that it is recommended that adults get nearly 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Physical activity and Physical Fitness are two different things. Both are beneficial to your health. Being physically active is time that one is active during a non- scheduled exercise time. An example would be playing with your kids, being on your feet all day at work, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. The benefits of being physically active is that it does help to burn calories, may help in losing body fat which can lead to decreased risk in Cardiovascular disease, and is better than being completely sedentary. Being physically fit means that one schedules more than 20 minutes of exercise into their daily routine. Being physically fit has many more benefits such as:

· Significant reduction in body fat (weight)

· Significant reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and some cancers

· Increased energy

· Increased self esteem and body image

· Increase in productivity

So, How Do YOU get started:

1. You must choose an activity that you know realistically you will do. Joining a gym doesn't solve the problem if you don't go to it after you join. Buying a treadmill doesn't help if you used it as a clothes rack. What do you enjoy the most? Is it walking, running, swimming, biking, tennis, or basketball ….whatever it may be pick one or two aerobic exercises.

2. Open up your calendar and look at one month. Find open half hour time slots where you can fit in a workout.

3. Write down in your calendar 3 open days for that first month where you schedule 30 minutes of moderate activity. The other 4 days, fit in 15-20minutes of that moderate activity.

4. Share this one month plan with a friend or family member.

5. Get out your workout shoes and gear and store them in a certain area in your room so it is a constant reminder.

6. Write down a few goals that you would like to accomplish this month. Place them on your refrigerator.

7. GO GET EM'

Yes it is that easy. The hardest part for most is either making the transition to fit exercise into their daily routine or putting on your shoes. Once you have past that first 5 minutes you are on your way and feeling so glad that you have scheduled this time for yourself and your health and fitness!

Enjoy this new month of fitness and success.

[Gracie Updyke]

I can't wait either! Congrats on getting back into it girl :-)

[Cathrynn]

oooh - I wish!!...........I am endeavouring every day to get into a routine and failing rather miserably. Though I have got a beautiful greyhound I walk every day, but believe it or not, she is rather lazy and if it is hot she doesnt want to walk, nor if it is rainy!!!!!.......I have a treadmill which is indeed a clothes rack...lol

But I will try some tips from your routine...thank you..:) Cathrynn X

[Gracie Updyke]

Cathrynn, YOU CAN do this! The hardest part is getting into a routine and making it a lifestyle. Please let me know if you need our help!
Gracie