Handy Fitness Tips
* Keep a fitness diary to stay on track with your health and fitness goals. Start small, like “I will walk 1000 steps today,” and record your successes and how you felt. Gradually boost your steps to 10000 every day.
* 4 short 10-minute work-out sessions can be even more effective than a 40-minute burst. The thing is to keep moving.
* Cable TV has a lot of great workout shows. Find the one that’s right for you and stick to it. You can also record several on tape and play them to break up the monotony.
* Netflix has a full library of workout DVDS. Again, you can view them all and keep note of the ones you like the best, then invest in them.
* Try different styles of workout, from yoga to belly dancing to tai chi to kick boxing. Avoid boredom above all.
* Avoid anything that makes you feel strained, and avoid high impact exercises, especially if you are overweight or have joint trouble.
* Start gradually and work your way up. Don’t try to lift 50 pounds the first time you go to the gym. Start with a weight you can do 20 reps with, and gradually increase both the weight and the repetitions. When you get to a level where you feel bored, increase the weight.
* Avoid toning the same part of your body over and over again. Schedule your daily workouts so that you get to work on all parts of your body at least twice a week, but never two days in a row.
* Don’t punish yourself if you want to have a day off, or take an exercise break. Get back into your routine as soon as possible.
* Stretch and warm up before starting any exercise.
* Practice proper form in any sport or exercise for maximum exercise impact, and to avoid injury.
* If you do join a gym, try out a number of different classes to keep your interest up and meet new people as fitness buddies.
* Try to find a better body buddy. Exercise is more fun if you do it with other people. Do aerobics with a friend or play a sport with your family. Even doubles tennis counts as exercise!
* A change in environment keeps boredom at bay. Don’t just stand on your treadmill or stairclimber, get out to the park, walk up a hill, take the stairs instead of the elevator.
* Taking a nap for 15 to 20 minutes in the afternoon can sharpen your memory, improve alertness, and help reduce fatigue. If you can’t take a nap, set aside some time for lighter activities, such as checking email or answering phone calls.
* Build muscle to boost metabolism. Experts estimate that an additional pound of lean muscle mass can increase resting metabolism by 30-50 calories a day. So turn that chunkiness in the middle to a six pack and you’ll be firing on all cylinders like well-oiled, well fuelled machine.
Above all, enjoy, and be optimistic.
Little changes can add up to big results!
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Tags: Fitness
