Exercising For a Healthy You

Exercise is often a four letter word with many Americans. However, as our community waist lines expand, a healthy lifestyle has never been more important! Obesity is a deadly disease that is affecting millions of individuals all over the world. Targeting all individuals of all ages, genders, races, ethic groups, and backgrounds, obesity causes problems ranging from diabetes, heart disease, and liver failure. Ensuring your are living a healthy lifestyle, eating a well balanced meal, and regularly exercising will combat this obesity epidemic.

The unpleasant connotations of exercise come from the image of overactive aerobics teachers in skimpy skintight outfits making people work out constantly. What happens is that excessive exercise leads to frustration and exhaustion and the enthusiasm to reduce weight dies down. They go back to their sedimentary lifestyle. This is the wrong way to go about it. Instead, if you do regular exercise for fifteen minutes over a period of time instead of all at once, you will be healthier than those who work out for an hour a week...

The easiest way to exercise is to include a friend or family member. Working out in numbers allows you to draw strength and motivation from your partner, in addition to performing tasks that require another individual. If you cannot find a work out partner, look to joining an exercise group. Many gyms, fitness centers, and community groups provide exercise lessons for no or a minimal charge. This is a great way to meet friends and regain your healthy lifestyle.

Set a reachable goal when it comes to exercising. Perhaps your goal is exercising a given amount of time each week. Maybe you are striving to run a mile without stopping or increase your stamina level on the stationery bike. Whatever your goal, be sure to set on that is well within your reach.

It's a good idea to set a long term and short term goal. If your long term goal is to live a healthier life, you may consider playing a game of soccer with your children, without becoming breathless, your short term goal. This way you can go on making more short term goals as you inch towards a healthy, fit lifestyle.

You can exercise at home if you can't afford to join a gym. However, you will have to buy a few basic things like weights and mats. You may want to invest in a tread mill or chair climber to build your own gym. This way you won't have to travel anywhere and you can do the work outs at your own convenience.

When the weather permits, move your exercising outdoors. For beginners, take a stroll around the block. If you are more ambitious, turn that stroll into a quick jog. Use opportunities to play with your children as time for exercise. Play a game of baseball, basketball, football, soccer, or plain old tag with your kids.

The greatest advantage of joining a gym is being able to use various types of equipment available there. Moreover, once you have made a financial commitment you get enough motivation to work out regularly.

By: Hank Lunton