In the article titled ‘Basic tips on being fit’ we looked at a few criteria that contribute to overall fitness. Under this topic, we will concentrate on fitness achieved through physical activity.
If you really want to be fit, then make it an everyday goal. The mindset is important here. Don’t look at exercise like a reluctant candidate and don’t think it’s a lot of fuss for nothing. Make exercise enjoyable. Maybe you’d prefer to work out in your home rather than in a gym. It’s less time consuming at home and you can be as creative and uninhibited as you like. Try to achieve the target of working out for at least half and hour, for at least five days of the week. Fit it neatly into your routine, so your lifestyle will remain comfortable.
Who says you have to do heavy duty exercise to stay fit? Walking is one of the best ways to stay in shape. We don’t mean the ‘look around and enjoy the scenery’ kind of walk. It has to be brisk. That is the way to get your heart working. Join family and friends in the walking program, so that you won’t feel alone. Make sure you are wearing suitable clothes and most of all, very comfortable shoes. Blisters need not be the result of your frequent walks.
If you want to do more, try running. If you do it consistently for a long period, the extra fat will slowly burn itself out. Running also gives you that high-the feeling of being so light on your feet. Do you have a staircase at home? Walking up and down the staircase or even running gives you a total body workout in no time. Your maximum heart rate will be reached and you will burn more calories. Even 15 minutes of running will you an immediate feeling of lightness.
Sometimes, you may be pushing yourself too hard. If you are gasping for breath in between the walking or the running, then it’s time to slow down. A healthy person can talk and exercise at the same time without any problems. If you can talk normally but find it hard to sing a tune while working out, then you’re at the level of exertion which is right for you.
Of course, if you just can’t muster the motivation to work out everyday at home, join a gym or a health club. Once you get used to the routine, it is not difficult to stick to it. Find an activity you enjoy. There are so many options. If aerobics is not your thing, how about kickboxing? By trying different things you will eventually find an activity you really like, enough to want to continue it every week.
Having said all this, it’s best to consult your doctor before you embark on any fitness program. This is a must for those who have experienced health problems previously or are undergoing any complications. Exercise never hurt anyone but each of us has a limit to which we can push ourselves. Anything over the limit can do serious damage.
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