Get Fit
Not Again!
Most of this information is not new to you. You’ve heard it from me before, and from other sources. These basics are so important that I want to share them with you in as many ways possible. For those of you who have not started or who have strayed from a fitness plan, hopefully one of these re-packaged tips will get you moving forward.
The List
Here’s what a fitness program should be:
- Enjoyable
- Consistent
- Individual
- Convenient
- Safe
Enjoying your fitness regimen is essential to your success. Whatever activity you select must motivate you enough, so that you stick with it for the long haul. Never choose an activity because it is “in”. Choose a program that will help you achieve your goals, and maintain your interest.
Consistency will help you reach those goals faster and make the results permanent. One workout session does not mean you have a fitness plan. Finding time is going to be an issue for a lot of people but it’s not an excuse. I hear you saying I don’t know what your life is like and how full your schedule is. How important is your health? Exercise doesn’t have to be performed at the same time of day for the same amount of time. That would be nice and easier if it could be planned that way, but this is the real world and life happens. The best time of day is whenever you can fit in 10-30 minutes. Two cautions, not right after eating, activity may make you uncomfortable. Not right before bedtime, the workout may be too stimulating and make it difficult for you to fall asleep.
Individual plans make the most sense. You are unique. Your body composition, current state of health and interests are not the same as everyone else. There is no cookie cutter program that will work the same for everyone. Another thing to keep in mind is that, not all people involved in the same fitness activity will progress at the same rate, so don’t compare your progress to that of others. Whatever you choose bring your own style and passion to it. If you’re taking an aerobic class and someone thinks you clap too loud, or get irritated when you let loose with a Woo-hoo! So what. Do your own thing.
Convenience may be the most misunderstood part of a fitness plan. Not many people think setting aside or even finding the time to exercise is ever going to be convenient. It doesn’t mean do it when the sun, moon and stars are in perfect alignment to make it easy for you. It means do it whenever there is even the slightest window of opportunity. Keeping in mind that you don’t need large blocks of time to get fit. Think cumulative. Walking in place during commercials, calf raises while standing in line at the bank. Stop making use of the drive-through, get out and walk inside. Glute squeezes while waiting in traffic. Get it?
Safety first should always be your motto. The purpose of getting fit is to be healthy, poor planning and over doing will give you just the opposite. Week-end warriors should especially take note. Don’t try to cram in a weeks worth of exercise in one weekend.
More important stuff:
- Proper form in all types of resistance training
- Include a warm-up and cool-down with all activities
- Stretch, stretch, stretch
- Rest is just as important as activity
There are so many things you can do to get fit; please don’t let lack of information keep you from your goal. Surf the net, go to the library, re-read your fit tips, and by all means let me know if I can help.
March 20th, 2009 at 6:30 am
I will refer to it as hygiene for anti-aging in various ways.