Have More Energy and Better Self Esteem

  The Headline says "Many Obese Americans Don't See a Need to Lose Weight".  Is that really true? If you're sitting on the fence - walking that thin line between a few extra pounds and downright obese - take heart. You can have more energy and a greater sense of self esteem!

How has this happened? Have we given in to the harmful effects of junk-food and soda? Are we going to just roll over and take it? How hard is it to give up some of those unhealthy food choices? How hard can it be to sneak in just half an hour of exercise every day? Nothing fancy - just walking for 45 minutes is a great way to help keep you waistline in check!

How about a couple 20 minute runs instead of a single 30 minute workout? You'll burn even more calories - even after your run! Mix it up with some good old-fashioned push-ups, pull-ups and sit ups. Add some squats and maybe jump rope to give your legs and your heart a boost!

Don't forget to keep your muscles healthy and flexible with some slow and easy stretching. We don't have to walk around with rolls of belly fat and size 40 waists. We don't have to suffer through lower self esteem and run out of energy before the fun is over!

Get outside while the weather is nice. Enjoy a healthy bicycle ride with your kids or loved ones. Try a new sport this year. Exercise doesn't always have to be about endless hours of pounding the pavement running off those extra pounds! Invite a friend or two along for tennis or golf. Join an indoor volleyball league this Fall and meet some new friends!

Join that water aerobics class at the Y and enjoy the benefits of low-impact exercise! The possibilities are nearly endless!  Want more Energy? More fun in your life?  And, best of all, a greater outlook on life and a healthy sense of self esteem? Try these easy habits for just 3 short weeks. You'll see a big difference!

Losing Weight - Slow and Steady

Deciding to lose weight, change your lifestyle, and become healthier is a big step! Start by making a simple commitment to yourself. Decide what you want out of a fitness program and set goals. Doing so will keep you on track and help you motivate yourself to achieve the goals you set. Many people find it helpful to put together a written plan. Your plan might include things like the amount of weight you want to lose, and your target date you'd like to lose the weight by. You might even write down the dietary changes you'll make to establish healthy eating habits, and a plan for getting regular exercise and physical activity.

Writing down the reasons why you want to lose weight can also help. It might be because you have a family history of heart disease, or because you want to see your kids get married, or simply because you want to feel better in your clothes. Post these reasons where they serve as a daily reminder of why you want to make this change.

Keep a "food diary" for a few days, in which you write down everything you eat. By doing this, you become more aware of what you are eating and when you are eating. This awareness can help you avoid mindless eating.

Everyone is different – what works for someone else might not be right for you. Just because your neighbor lost weight by taking up running, doesn't mean running is the best option for you. Try a variety of activities – walking, swimming, tennis, or group exercise classes to see what you enjoy most and can fit into your life. These activities will be easier to stick with over the long term.

Find family members or friends who will support your weight loss efforts. Making lifestyle changes can feel easier when you have others you can talk to and rely on for support. You might have coworkers or neighbors with similar goals, and together you can share healthful recipes and plan group exercise.

Frequent exercise or physical activity can help you live longer and improve your quality of life! Exercise doesn't need to be strenuous to improve health; moderate-intensity physical activity performed over the course of the day will usually result in significant health benefits for people of all ages. Everyday activities like walking may be the safest types of exercise for older or previously inactive people, because they put less stress on muscles and joints. If you've been out of shape for a while you might enjoy some simple low-impact exercise options.

Better fitness can be defined in many ways, depending on your goals, your current level of activity, and how much time you have available. A program that includes aerobics, resistance training and stretching will give you the greatest overall health benefits. Sometimes - slow and steady is the best course for lasting weight loss. Simply getting started is a vital first step. Make a promise to yourself. Then take immediate action!

The road to better health and fitness is a journey anyone can enjoy. Take that first step! Start getting in shape fast - by eating healthy foods and getting some exercise every day!

Try Low Impact Exercise

Do you ever feel pain in your knees after running even a short distance? Nagging knee injuries can sometimes seem to only get worse the more we workout and the older we get. Save your knees - try low impact exercise!

Low impact exercise options give us plenty of ways to get in shape and lose weight – all without placing too much stress on our knees and ankles. Save your knees – take advantage of a low impact exercise program! Some easy ideas:

Go for a nice bike ride. It’s that easy to reap the benefits of moderate endurance exercise. Each time you go for a ride, simply travel a little farther. As the weeks pass, gradually increase the pace, or speed, of your adventures. Try to ride on hilly roads for even greater results. Slip in some really fast bursts of speed and you'll burn even more calories!

Lots of people love swimming or water aerobics. Sign up for a water aerobics class at the local pool or YMCA. Water is great for reducing the pressure on your key joints. And you can get a vigorous, muscle building workout in the water! Aerobic workouts in the pool are really great if you need to save your knees! And the resistance in the water helps maximize the effect of your exercise! Spend half an hour swimming for a great, refreshing workout!

Strength training is a great way to sculpt muscle, but if you want to be sleek and strong, why not give Pilates a try? Many fitness experts believe that this workout can help you develop long, strong muscles, a flat stomach, a strong back, and improved posture. And like working out with weights, Pilates strengthens connective tissue (tendons and ligaments). Yoga is another great whole body workout!

Another popular option is widely enjoyed right in the comfort of your own home. Buy some low impact exercise equipment and get an excellent workout – without even leaving home!

Enjoy Low Impact Exercise at Any Age!

If losing some weight is one of your goals this year we are lucky to have so many healthy and natural weight loss options. Low impact exercise helps you to get in shape and lose weight - all without placing too much stress on our knees and ankles. Save your knees - take advantage of a low impact exercise program! Here are just a few ideas:

Go for a walk. It’s that easy to reap the benefits of moderate endurance exercise. Each time you walk - simply go a little farther. As the weeks pass, gradually increase the pace, or speed, of your walks. Try to walk on grass or dirt if you can for even less stress on your joints.

Summer is almost here - sign up for a water aerobics class. Or see if your local YMCA offers indoor water aerobics classes. Water is great for reducing the pressure on your key joints. And you can get a really decent workout in the water! Aerobic workouts in the pool are really great if you need to save your knees! And the resistance in the water helps you get good workout!

Strength training is a great way to sculpt muscle, but if you want to be sleek and strong, why not give Pilates a try? Many fitness experts believe that this workout can help you develop long, strong muscles, a flat stomach, a strong back, and improved posture. And like working out with weights, Pilates strengthens connective tissue (tendons and ligaments).

Another popular option is widely enjoyed right in the comfort of your own home. My 80-something Mother has a exercise bike right in her living room. I guess when you're past 80 you can decorate your house any way you see fit! She rides that silly thing every morning! And loves it!

The options are practically endless. You can exercise and lose weight fast at any age!