Exercise Advice

A good exercise program consists of aerobic (cardiovascular) and anaerobic (resistance/weight training) activity. Ideally, an individual should exercise 4 - 5 times per week aerobically and 3 - 4 times per week anaerobically. Realistically speaking, exercising 3 - 4 times per week aerobically and 2 - 3 times per week anaerobically is more probable for the average individual, who currently, according to US government statistics, engages in little or no physical activity.

The hardest part of exercising is getting started. There is always a good excuse for not being able to exercise. Not enough time, not enough money, no motivation, not knowing what to do, etc. etc. With over 60% of the US population considered overweight and over 35% considered clinically obese, there are far too many excuses for not exercising.

We lead sedentary lives. We exert little energy sitting at our desks day-in and day-out. Everyone who is not exercising regularly needs to get active and needs to make lifestyle changes. Crash dieting is not the answer. There are no quick and easy ways to get fit. Changing one's eating habits and one's activity level is the only healthy way to lose weight and get in shape.

Time constraints are the most likely reasons for not exercising. Let's face it, we all live busy lives and our schedules can be hectic. Getting to the gym can be a problem. By the time you get there and get dressed for your workout, a good part of the hour and a half you allowed yourself to exercise is gone. Home workouts give you more time to exercise, but less variety in equipment and your inability to avoid distractions can hamper an exerciser with even the greatest conviction.

Making exercise and healthy eating a part of your every day enables you to take control of your life and achieve your goals. Your biggest challenge is modifying your current eating and exercising habits without disrupting your life. Gradual change usually works best. Dramatic changes are not recommended because they are most difficult to sustain and usually do not last long.

Best of luck in all of your fitness goals. Remember, numerous small modifications add up to large results over time. It has taken you a long time to look the way you look today. It will take you a reasonable amount of time to get back to the way you would like to be.

Please contact us with your ideas for exercise/fitness/health related topics and questions you would like to see discussed on this site. We would like to hear from you.