Getting Started - Getting in Shape

Have you ever wished you could reverse the old aging clock? Or maybe just wish you had a little more energy? Are you searching for better balance in your life? Would you like less stress and maybe a better outlook on life?

Many hard working , busy people - just like you and I - have found when you start getting in shape, your life starts changing for the better. Better fitness and healthy habits lead to a long list of benefits.

Think about reasons why you have not been physically active. Then try to come up with some ways to get past what is keeping you from getting active.

Have you ever found yourself saying . . ?

"I haven't exercised or played any sports in a long time."

Well, just choose something you like to do. Many people find walking helps them get started. Before you know it, you will be doing more each day.

Or how about my all-time favorite excuse - "I just don't have the time."

Start with 10-minute chunks of time a couple of days a week. Walk during a break. Dance in the living room to your favorite music. Get up a few minutes before the rest of the family and enjoy twenty minutes on the elliptical.
It all adds up.

Or, how about - "It costs too much."

You don't have to join a fancy-pants health club or buy expensive workout equipment to be active. Play tag with your kids. Walk briskly with your dog for 10 minutes or more.

Start by doing what you can, and then look for ways to do more. If you have not been active for a while, start out slowly. After several weeks or months, build up your activities—do them longer and more often.

Walking is one way to add physical activity to your life. When you first start, walk 10 minutes a day on a few days during the first couple of weeks.

Add more time and days. Walk a little longer. Try 15 minutes instead of 10 minutes. Then walk on more days a week.

Pick up the pace. Once this is easy to do, try walking faster. Keep up your brisk walking for a couple of months. You might want to add biking on the weekends for variety.

The key is getting started! Start getting in shape and you'll soon enjoy some of the positive results fitness offers us all!