Fitness and Health

Fitness is just as important as health, and in reality, fitness correlates directly with our health. If we are not taking care of our bodies, we get sick.

If you have been sitting around for a long time, you can't start with a full fitness routine. You will want to start slow and build your fitness level little by little.

As always, check with your doctor before starting any fitness program.

If you try to do too much at first, you will likely give up because it left you too sore or weak. Start by walking every other day. Walking is the best exercise you can do. It involves the entire body and you don't need any special equipment to walk. A good pair of shoes is nice but don't let your old shoes keep you from walking.

Envision Success But Be Realistic

Try to envision how great you will look and feel once you get in shape. Maybe you can find a picture of someone that will inspire you. Put it where you can see it everyday. With the picture to inspire you, a good fitness program, hard work, and time you be will see positive results.

It would be great to be able to jump right into a hard workout, feel great, and see instant results. However, it is important to be realistic. You need to understand that you more than likely will not (or should not) start out with a hard workout if you have not been in a regular exercise routine. Start out slow and do not set yourself up for failure by expecting miracles overnight. Getting fit takes time and with commitment, you will reach your goals.

Track Progress

Often when trying to get in shape, it seems like you are working hard and sweating, but getting nowhere. In actuality, things are happening, just not yet seen. Keep track of two things in particular. First, track your measurements. You will probably be surprised within only a few weeks at the progress made. Second, track your routines so you can determine what is working for you and what is not as successful.

Warm Up and Cool Down

One important thing to remember about your fitness program is, before you start your exercise routine you will need to get your joints warmed up. Do this by slowly stretching all the joints in your body. Repeat each stretch several times until you can feel the stiffness go away.

Just as warming up for exercise is important, cooling down after exercise is just as important. Once you have completed your workout, take five to 10 minutes to walk, or stretch to allow your body to cool down. This is very important for the muscles and joints and for the heart and lung.

Asthmatics and Sports

If you suffer from asthma, you already know that some sports should be avoided, depending on the severity. If you have trouble on a daily basis and love sports, be encouraged to know that some sports are asthma friendly and in fact, can be helpful in that they help make the lungs stronger. These sports include swimming, cycling, fishing, walking, and canoeing. Again, check with your physician before getting involved with any sport or if you have a health condition.

Diabetes and Exercise

Aerobic exercise can actually be beneficial for people with diabetes. This exercise increases the insulin sensitivity and when combined with good eating, can help restore a normal glucose metabolism. Before starting a workout program, you first need to see your doctor to determine if there are any risks for coronary artery disease and that your blood glucose control is appropriate for exercise. Once cleared, you will feel better and see for yourself the benefits associated with exercise and a regular fitness plan

Check out the menu on your left for more fitness ideas.