Any good weight loss plan includes exercising. For those not needing or wanting to lose weight, exercise is still very important as it helps the body stay toned and healthy, giving you an overall feeling of wellbeing.
The added benefit for today’s stressed life style is that exercise, is indeed the best natural stress reliever. A good workout releases endorphins, which give out a feeling of wellbeing. Runners often refer to this feeling as the runners’ rush. The following are five exercise tips to achieve that overall good feeling and to keep in good shape.
Cardiovascular exercises are crucial for not only the heart but for the whole body including the boosting of the body’s metabolism. A thirty to forty minute workout done at least three to five times a week not only produces a feeling of well being but allows the body to function better as a whole. One can choose from the many different cardio exercises and find the most suitable for one’s lifestyle. Cardiovascular exercises include: running, brisk walking, swimming, dancing, biking, aerobics, Stair Master and other such machines, amongst others. You don’t have to have a Gym.
Another important workout is strength training. Strength training is not body building but lifting light weights to tone the muscles, define the body and boost the endurance level of the body. Light weights that are up to ten pounds are perfect for strengthening the entire body.
Flexibility is another important part of complete body fitness. Great flexibility can be achieved with both Pilates and yoga. Flexibility makes the other fitness workouts more effective. In addition, flexibility makes for less susceptibility to injuries like strains and one achieves a sleek, long look. Incorporating flexibility into strength enhancing workouts can be a great combination.
Any program for health or fitness must be constant and consistent. The best diets and fitness programs will be worthless without regularity. A general rule of the thumb would be to combine three sessions of cardio with three sessions of flexibility and strength per week. One could do more but it would be wise to allow the body to rest for a day. Too much workout could lead to injuries, strain, tiredness and finally burnout.
Patience is the mother of all virtues. In today’s fast paced hyper world, one expects results right away. Just as one got out of shape over the years, to get back in shape takes time and continuity. Weighing daily is no good to keep track of weight loss. It is best to check results after about six weeks in order to evaluate your particular training program and its worth. In six weeks there will be some change for the better and that in turn can motivate and stimulate to continue with the program. Continuity is absolutely essential to any exercise program.
After some time the weights can be increased and so can the time allotted for exercising. All exercise programs must be done in consultation with a doctor especially for those with previous sedentary habits.
