Health and nutrition experts continually advise us that the
more we exercise the healthier we will be. In magazines, the
doctor’s office or on television we are never far from
information showing us how to exercise, what to eat and how to
lose weight. One constant rule, in the expert’s opinion, is that
regular physical activity is an essential element to successful
weight loss and fitness maintenance.
There are a few tried and true strategies that will help you
to stay fit and trim. Most of all, as you plan your personal
fitness goals, be reasonable and keep them within reach. Setting
unrealistic ideals will only lead to failure.
Keep these tips handy and from time to time check the list to
confirm that you are staying on track.
1. Get active and stay active. This will be the most
important step to achieve. It is so easy to find reasons not to
exercise. Remember a little light to moderate activity each day
will bring great results. Once maintained, even a daily walk
will become second nature and you may find yourself actually
looking forward to your exercise time.
2. One size does not fit all – understand your own unique
body type and find out what works best for you. Set realistic
goals for yourself and stay on track. Each day will bring it’s
own reward as you feel fitter and energized.
3. Plan a week ahead – Keep a log of your exercise or
activity and keep it in a prominent place like the fridge or
notice board. Chart your progress and thoughts in a notepad and
make note of encouraging comments you receive from friends and
family.
4. Eat small portions of food and eat often. Do not put your
body into starvation and deprivation mode – it will only lead to
bingeing. Try to keep an accurate daily food diary. You will be
surprised how much good food you can eat and still stay trim and
fit.
5. Add a few more extra cardiovascular activities to your
day. Whenever possible walk instead of using the car for errands
or take a walk around the block at lunchtime. You will burn many
extra calories over the course of a week just by adding 10 – 15
extra minutes of daily activity.
As you start to feel more energetic and vital you will begin
to see how setting realistic goals will help you to successfully
maintain your fitness level long term. Keeping the weight off
and staying in shape can actually get easier with time. We all
know how important it is to our health to stay active and keep
fit - so stick with it!
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