Fitness is a Choice

Active people are much less likely to smoke; they tend to be thinner and they eat differently than their sedentary peers. They spend far less on health care over the course of their lifetimes than those who choose not to exercise regularly or get actively involved in sports. Fitness and good health is a choice. Most of us are in that very fortunate group who have the choice!

When it comes to exercise, balance is key. Health and fitness professionals encourage people to exercise to the point of breathlessness. If you're like me and have been somewhat of a couch potato for a while - you may want to build up your stamina before attempting to do this for any length of time. If you start off exercising too vigorously you might end up feeling achy, tired and disappointed.

Take your time. Start slow and gradually increase the intensity of your exercise. In just a few short weeks you can be sweating away pounds and reshaping your body. You can sculpt a more muscular, leaner body.

If you don't exercise hard enough to stimulate your limb and heart muscles why bother? Make it worth your effort. Build yourself up to the point where you find yourself breathing hard. Get your heart pumping! And every other day do some strength work. You can start with simple push-ups and squats. Add in some crunches and maybe some rowing or weight training.

Many fitness buffs enjoy keeping a journal. Try writing down how long you exercise and what types of workout(s) you do. Keep good records of what you eat. And how you feel. Soon you should start to see some real progress. Celebrate your success. Buy yourself a new, smaller outfit you've been wanting. Buy that new bicycle you've had your eye on. Or that new set of clubs. Treat yourself to something healthy!

Keep up your fitness plan. Visualize your success. Keep eating healthy foods and make a habit of exercise. Watch your whole life get better! Enjoy having more energy. A slimmer body. A better outlook. and less stress. The benefits of better health and fitness just seem to explode when you make exercise and eating healthy foods part of your daily habits!

Try Something New

The benefits of living a healthy lifestyle are tremendous. Evidence shows that some of the leading causes of death in the United States, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and some lung diseases often can be prevented by improving personal health habits.

Eating right, staying physically active, and not smoking are a few examples of good habits that can help you stay healthy.

Exercise and physical activity can help prevent at least six diseases: heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity (excess weight), diabetes, osteoporosis, and mental disorders, such as depression. Regular exercise also will help you feel better and stay at a healthy weight.

Research suggests that brisk walking can be just as good for you as an activity such as jogging. Try to do a total of 30 minutes of constant physical activity, such as fast walking, most days of the week. Make time for physical activity, start slowly, and keep at it. If the weather is bad, try an exercise show on TV, watch an exercise tape in your home, walk in the mall, or work around the house.

Choose an activity you like, such as dancing or swimming. Or try something entirely new - take up a new sport. Find a friend to enjoy your daily exercise time with. Find an exercise tape at the library or the video store. Millions enjoy the benefits of yoga along with their daily walk or jog.

If weight loss is one of your goals for this year - the quickest way to lose weight is with daily exercise and eating healthy foods.