By Michael Fortomas
More than any other time in history, people are all trying to
have the best, healthiest body possible. The health and fitness
industries are making billions of dollars every year on herbal supplements,
fitness equipment, gyms, and special diets. If you watch TV or read
magazines, there is always some intriguing commercial asking for
money to help you get into shape.
Now that you have made a commitment to take care of your body,
both internal and external, it is critical to your overall health
that you do it the right way. Here are some tips for both health
and fitness that will help you lose weight, discover ways to maintain
a better healthy lifestyle, and be in the best shape of your life
– all the smart way!
1. Bicycling
When you ask many adults when the last time they rode a bike
is, they cannot answer. Although bicycling is a favorite pastime,
many adults do not take advantage of this great option for exercise.
Not only does bike riding exercise the body and build a stronger
cardiovascular system, it allows you to get out and enjoy nature,
fresh air, and see new sites.
2. Jogging
or Walking
Both jogging and walking are GREAT ways to get fit. Not only
do they tone the muscles, relieve stress, create a healthier heart,
and improve lung capability, they make you look wonderful, which
in turns helps you get excited about doing other exercise for fitness.
3. Swimming
Swimming is an excellent way to get into and stay in shape. If
you do not own a pool, many high schools have aquatic centers, or
there is always the YWCA or YMCA, or your local gym. Many offer
water aerobic classes that will help you tighten your body, lose
weight, and get a good overall workout.
4. Tennis Anyone
Tennis is not only a fun sport, but also a great way to exercise.
You do not have to be a Venice Williams to play; in fact, you do
not even have to be good. Just running after the ball alone will
help get you into shape. This is a great way to strengthen your
cardiovascular system and lose weight. You can find tennis courts
in just about every city and if you would like to play but have
no idea how, lessons are reasonable.
5. Dancing
Dancing is so much fun and whether you enjoy a slow, Ballroom
dance or a nightclub packed with people all moving to heart-pumping
techno, as long as you are moving, it really does not matter what
type of dance or music. The whole idea is to move your body. Dancing
has long been recommended as an avenue to fitness.
6. VCR
If you have a VCR or DVD, rather than just using it for your
favorite comedy or action-packed movie, try sticking in some good
workout tapes. Even taking 15 minutes every day to workout will
get you started. Try that for two weeks and you will be surprised
at the results. Once you see that 15 minutes a day makes a difference,
you will be encouraged to increase the time spent.
7. Abdominal
Crunches
While you may not end up with a washboard stomach, you can do
some things to get your abdomen in better shape. Crunches have long
been a favorite for many athletes for the very reason that they
work. Lying on your back with knees bent, keeping feet flat on the
floor, cross your hands across your chest and then curl your torso,
rolling from your sternum toward your hips. Do this slowly and start
out with a set of ten crunches in three reps. In other words, do
ten crunches, wait a minute, do ten more, wait a minute, and then
do the final ten. As you get accustomed to these, you can increase
both the number of sets and reps.
8. Squats
Squats are excellent for glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves.
With your feet standing firm and spread apart about two feet, bend
your knees slightly. Then, very smoothly, you will squat toward
the floor without going all the way down. This usually takes some
practice but within a short period, you will enjoy the benefits.
9. Tricep Press
Having firm arms is something that many people focus on when
exercising. For an Overhead Tricep Press, standing on the floor
with your feet about two feet apart, knees slightly bent, you will
extend your arms over your head. Keep your elbows locked and then
very slowly lower your hands behind your head. You want to do this
with some type of weight, but small weights like one to five pounds.
If you do not have weights of your own, you can hold a one-pound
of vegetables, which will work perfectly.
10. Get to
the Gym
Working out at home is a good option and for some people, they
are committed enough to actually make it work. However, for the
majority of people wanting to get into shape, the inspiration, competitiveness,
and encouragement received from working out in a gym is the way
to go. Although it will require a small investment, make the decision
to find a gym that offers state-of-the-art equipment, qualified
staff, and fun classes where you can enjoy working out.
By taking care of your body through good health habits and fitness,
you will live a happier, better, and longer life!