Thursday, December 8, 2011

Having A Healthy Lifestyle Means Exercising On A Regular Basis

Having A Healthy Lifestyle Means Exercising On A Regular Basis


by Steve Mary


Overall fitness isn't just about cardio. Although cardio is a major component of weight loss and heart health, it is important to incorporate strength training into your fitness regimen. Strength training builds muscle mass and helps you burn more calories post-workout. Follow these strength-training tips to amp up your workout and get a complete workout.

Keep a good pace! Reciting the alphabet can get you on your way to being in great physical shape. How? A simple way to know if you are exercising at the correct pace is to say the letters out loud - if you cannot say them without puffing - you are working too hard! Working too hard can lead to strain.

If jogging or hitting the gym is not your thing and you love gardening, how about getting the shovel and wheelbarrow out and getting in a little exercise in your yard? In fact, the National Institute of Health, lists gardening among the moderate exercises that are recommended for combating obesity. Just weeding for 30 minutes can burn over 150 calories and you'll work muscles in your back, legs and arms, without the jarring that jogging and aerobic exercises puts your body through. So the next time you dread putting on your jogging shoes, pick up a hoe and take care of that flower bed you've been meaning to get to, for the last month. It's fun and great for your body.

If you have a desk job and are concerned about staying fit, consider storing a mini-stepper under your desk and use it for a few minutes of every hour. Even five minutes of fitness per hour will make a big difference. This will also help prevent the soreness and stiffness associated with prolonged periods of inactivity.

Don't give up on your fitness routine until you've been at it for at least a month. Your body generally requires about thirty days to become accustomed to new changes. Keep focused and motivated for that first month, and you'll find your routine will get increasingly easier to maintain after that.

Having a good friend or other person to work out with and improve fitness levels together will be beneficial to both people. They will have someone there to help spot them while working out. The other person can also help to increase motivation and give both individuals better fitness levels.

Alternate your workouts so that your body does not become too efficient at any one type of workout. You should have a cardiovascular workout one day, resistance training the next and stretching the next. By varying your routine you challenge all of your muscle groups and you avoid boredom and burnout.

A great fitness tip that everyone should take heed of is to adapt to your environment. Whether you are at home, on the road, at the gym or in the park, you should always find ways to work out. Do not let your environment serve as an excuse as to why you don't work out.

If one holds onto small weights in the two to ten pound range in each hand while they go on a run they will also be incorporating an upper body exercise into their aerobic exercise. An activity that works separate areas of fitness at the same time will improve the results that one sees.

Keeping fit should be a part of your goals because it will help you to feel better and live a longer, healthier life. By simply drinking more water and exercising regularly, you will be on your way to a healthier lifestyle. Remember the tips in this article so that you can stay fit.




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