How to Succeed With Fitness Goals

Everyone makes an effort to make the coming years healthier- but often fail. Usually, they follow a 7-4-2 pattern. Either they will quit exercising and eating right within seven days, in four weeks or in two months. This bleak picture actually makes sense.

In America, the obesity rate is on the rice. More than 25% of male Americans suffer from obesity. The incidence of juvenile diabetes is on the rise. Heart disease, once though to be an old person’s problem is now appearing on teenagers as young as 16.

Technology has made me fat

Let’s face it, with so many things occupying our homes right now, like computers and digital TV, why bother exercising? Even the domain of exercise has been invaded by a game that measures calorie burning and progress.

But it’s not too late to get started. According to Bill Elam, professor of physical therapy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center:

“Starting out ‘gung-ho’ probably isn’t the best thing to do. Over-enthusiasm is one of the reasons people drop out so quickly after the New Year. When you do too much too soon, exercise becomes more of a chore than a pleasure. Exercise should be enjoyable, not a task.”

Walk for fitness

Elam has a recommendation regarding walking for fitness:

“Start with walking and then try fast walking. Then, if you wish, you can try jogging short distances. However, it is better on the knees and the hips to walk than it is to jog or run. You should monitor your level of activity. If you begin experiencing joint pain or shortness of breath, recognize that you have reached the extent of your capability for the time being, and increase your distance according to how your body feels.”

Walking is just one of many ways to shed the pounds. If you already know how to swim, then joining a local fitness club can make the task of swimming laps more classy and enjoyable. If you like the company of others and a bit of competitiveness, then join a fitness club and see how it goes from there.

Move, just move!

Movement is the first step in total physical fitness. Some of us have all our limbs working but prefer to be comfortably catatonic in front of the television for long periods. According to Daniel Pollock, a bodybuilder with over six years of training:

“People simply need to remember that movement is life.’ Even if you have chronic pain from degenerative arthritis or joint problems, it is important to exercise. People who don’t have chronic pain have good reasons to exercise, such as to lose weight, to look better, and to increase endurance, but even those with chronic pain should not be discouraged.”

Notes on chronic pain

People with chronic pain such as rheumatism or arthritis can engage in low-impact exercises that are kinder to the joints. Modified Pilates or yoga can still give you the benefits of a full workout minus the pain.

With a good trainer, stretching can also be accommodated not only because it feels good, but actually because it can help alleviate the pain.