Fitness Guidelines, Exercise and Health

FITNESS GUIDELINES

■Exercise and Health

It is not a secret that lack of exercise is increasingly becoming a major health issue. Obesity is on the rise, and being overweight can contribute to an increased risk in heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure and other life threatening illnesses.

Most people do not get enough activity during the day to make up for the time they spend at their desks, driving their cars or sitting in front of their televisions. We have learned that exercising is not simply something we must do to look good and have a great body. Exercise is a requirement for health, and overall wellness, not to mention it can help you feel great!

The good news is that we are seeing more and more research that indicates we don’t have to work out intensely to see the benefits. Sure, it is great if you can workout for 30-40 minutes at a time, five days a week. But it is not essential. Shorter bouts of exercise can have a great effect (especially if you are just starting out), and a little bit of exercise at a time is much better than none at all.

And what is really exciting is that research indicates that whether you are young or old, people who workout at light to moderate intensities may have an easier time sticking to their exercise programs than those people who work out harder and more often.

So, you do not need to be an athlete or a fitness ”die-hard” to benefit from exercise… you just need to get started, work out at levels that are comfortable and enjoyable to you and stick with it!

■Your New Home Fitness Program

There are many great reasons why home exercise equipment has increased in popularity over the years, but topping the list is convenience. For any fitness program to be successful, it must be something you will stick to on a regular basis. With home exercise equipment, you can roll out of bed, put on a pair of sweats and start working out while the coffee is brewing. No getting in the car and having to drive to the health club. No standing in line waiting for the equipment to become available.

And there is the comfort and safety factor. Who wants to walk or run outside when it is dark or is raining? Or try to ride a bike in the middle of heavy traffic? With your home exercise equipment, you can exercise in the comfort and security of your air- conditioned home.

Privacy and cleanliness are also important. Now you can exercise without feeling rushed or that anyone is looking at you (which is great if you are embarrassed about carrying around a few extra pounds). No more sharing sweaty equipment, or wondering if you will catch athlete’s foot in the health club shower.

The biggest advantage, however, may simply be the time factor. With work schedules ever-changing and busy family obligations, a home gym offers the benefit of being able to work out when it is most convenient for you. No classes to time your schedule around, or peak times to avoid. This is especially convenient if you have children at home.

It couldn’t be easier!