Fitness Doesn't Just Happen

By Author: William Hall
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How many times have you seen those buff athletic types and thought, "I bet they have never had a weight problem"? Be honest! Probably many less fit folks secretly admire people who seem to keep in shape with little apparent effort. The truth is, fitness doesn't just happen - it is a lifestyle that combines the right balance of good nutrition and exercise, which in turn allows you to reap long-term benefits for your overall health.
Health Check!
Most likely you have heard someone request a price check at a grocery store or your local Wal-Mart. Now imagine modifying that a bit and addressing yourself with the command: "Health check, please!"
Do you keep up with all the recommended health checkpoints? Regular physicals and dental visits, proper nutrition and consuming plenty of water, adequate rest and relaxation, stress management, stretching exercises for flexibility and injury prevention, and a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least three days a week; these are just a few of the standard health guidelines which will promote overall better health now, as well as build a strong foundation for your ...
... future.
Fitness
If you are not a regular member of a gym or fitness center, do you stay away because you believe a gym is just for bulky, muscular men - and women - pumping iron five days a week, well-defined muscles rippling with each repetition, lifting enormous amounts of weight?
Yes, this is an accurate picture of highly dedicated bodybuilders, weightlifters, and power lifters, as well as fitness buffs. However, they didn't get that way overnight, or even in a few months. Not only that, but today's gyms and fitness centers cater to people of all ages, sizes, and stages of fitness - or lack thereof!
Fitness must become a lifestyle in order to be fully effective, not merely a half-hearted attempt to follow the latest fad you see in a You Tube video or on TV. The beauty of fitness routines is that you can find one that will suit your needs, based on your current health and fitness levels.
Of course, this is also when you can benefit from the expert advice of professional fitness trainers, rather than trying to figure it all out on your own. Most gyms and fitness centers have trainers available at various times; these professionals can demonstrate the proper use of exercise equipment and weights, as well as design a suitable exercise routine for you.
Some important elements of a fitness routine are aerobic, anaerobic, and cardiovascular exercises:
* Aerobic - improves the way your body consumes and utilizes oxygen; includes such activities as walking and dancing
* Anaerobic - enhances the energy production in your muscles; includes such activities as weightlifting and strength training
* Cardiovascular - improves the functioning of your heart and circulatory system, particularly by increasing your endurance and lowering your resting heart rate; includes working out on the treadmill, stationary bike, or elliptical trainer
The standard precautionary statement is appropriate here: be sure to consult with your doctor or other health professional prior to beginning any fitness regimen.
Nutrition
Dieting is not the same as committing yourself to following good nutritional guidelines. So many fad diets have come and gone - and some are still out there - it is easy to become confused, not to mention discouraged, about trying to follow any particular "brand name" diet plan. The problem with dieting is that it often spawns that "yo-yo" effect in your weight loss efforts, causing you to just give up.
Forget the pills and potions, and the "latest, greatest" weight loss supplements that proclaim you can continue to eat anything, not change your routine, and yet burn fat and lose all your excess weight! The truth of the matter is - after careful consultation with your doctor - you are likely to discover that the same nutritional guidelines with which you were raised, are still relevant today.
A healthy "diet," therefore, is not necessarily the one you find on a store shelf in a package or a book. You are more likely to find success simply following a nutritious eating plan that includes the right combinations of the basic food groups - consider the food pyramid you learned about in home economics or health classes - and steer clear of excessive amounts of the unhealthy foods, like fats and sweets.
This is another area worthy of your doctor's input - he or she will know if you need to avoid certain foods, due to existing physical conditions.
Sports
You don't have to be a professional athlete to enjoy the health benefits of various sports - as long as you are doing more than just being a spectator! Whether you choose to participate in organized sports and play on teams, or prefer casual recreational activities, the key is to get MOVING instead of remaining sedentary.
You may be thinking that you were a "gym class drop-out" and were never any good at baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, or any other common high school or college sport. No problem! There are literally dozens of sports and recreational activities from which to choose - check it out:
* Air sports - parachuting, parasailing, skydiving
* Archery
* Bowling
* Canoeing, kayaking, rafting, rowing, or sailing
* Cycling
* Dancing
* Fishing or hunting
* Flying discs (Frisbees) or kite flying
* Gymnastics
* Hiking
* Horseback riding or other equine events
* Martial arts
* Mountain or rock climbing
* Racing - boats, cars, motorcycles
* Rollerblading, roller-skating, or skateboarding
* Swimming
* Walking, running, or jogging
* Weightlifting, power lifting, or bodybuilding
* Winter sports - skating, skiing, sledding, or snowboarding
* and many more!
As you can see, balance is a key element in helping you establish the fitness lifestyle. It's time to analyze your health status, to ensure that you have the proper combination of fitness, nutrition, and sports or recreational activities to improve your health snapshot. Health check, please!
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