A Fast Way to a Fit Summer
Exercise and eating well are key!
It’s never too late to rev up your exercise routine and re-commit to shedding those few extra pounds you may have picked up since the end of last summer. Why not start today?
Most experts will agree that consistency is key. Whatever exercise you do, keep at it, and then slowly but surely you’ll reach your fitness goals. If it took all winter to get out of shape, give your self some time to see results. Also, if you ‘fall off the wagon’ one day, all is not lost. Simply re-commit yourself and you’ll find yourself back on the right path.
The first step is to adjust your eating habits. Nutrient-rich dairy foods are a core part of a healthy diet. Give yourself the protein and essential nutrients you’ll need when you kick your exercise routine up a notch by incorporating dairy. Check out 3-A-Day of dairy for helpful dietary hints and easy-to-make dairy recipes.
Next, it’s time to burn more calories than you’re taking in. The easiest way to do that is with cardio exercise. Most fitness experts will suggest you find an activity you enjoy, so you’ll keep to it at least 3-5 times a week. Don’t forget: it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting a new activity or exercise routine.
Many people find that classes at the gym are also a great way to build cardio momentum. They’re led by professionals who will keep your body going just when you’re thinking of calling it quits. There’s nothing like having your own personal cheerleader to psyche you up to do more.
Organizing a neighborhood walking group or meeting with a partner for DVD-led workouts are convenient ways to get in a workout too. Many local TV stations also host morning workout shows you can do from the comfort of your own home.
Even dividing exercises into 15-minute sessions a few times a day makes a difference when done regularly. An easy way to keep track of your sessions is to isolate the mini-workouts to a particular area (arms, then legs, then abdominals, for example). Working out and getting moving is not just good for maintaining a healthy weight, it is also good for your heart.
What you may not know is that exercise is essential to bone health, too. The same routine you use to tone up can also help you keep from losing bone mass over time. Fact is, you just can’t take your bone health for granted. Without exercise, the average, healthy woman starts losing bone mass at age 20! By age 60, you could be at risk for the early stages of osteoporosis. The good news is that in combination with a diet rich in calcium, like one that includes dairy foods, regular exercise goes a long way to preventing osteoporosis.
The Mayo Clinic offers a complete osteoporosis workout routine. Just keep in mind that the sooner you start, the healthier your bones will be in years to come. Try The Mayo Clinic Osteoporosis Workout.
After about a month of consistent exercise, you will start to feel the benefits of becoming more physically fit. This can translate into feeling better when you’re at work or out and about doing your everyday activities. You’ll even notice that getting your heart rate up several times a week will positively affect your mood. All of this adds up to a summer attitude that’s looking pretty sunny.