Health and Fitness

I will be posting information on Health and Fitness topics with some workouts and ideas that may be right up your ally. If there are any topics you would like me to discuss or need some pointers on please let me know.

My background is in Physical Education and Health Promotion, I have been a Stroller Strides Instructor and got my body back after my two kids by doing their program. I recently have done P90X and there are some great things I like about this program and some I could do without. I am always looking for new exercises and ideas so feel free to share any of yours with me!

The most important factors to consider when starting an exercise program are:

• How is your health? Consult your physician before starting any exercise program.
• How is your fitness? Start out slow and build your intensity and length of your workout as you go. Don't kill yourself the first week or you will have a harder time sticking to it.
• What time works best for you? Morning, afternoon, or night? Find the time you can commit to working out this will make it easy for you stay on track.
• Try a variety of exercises and find the ones that you like best. Try yoga, pilates, zumba, kickboxing, cycling, running, resistance training, swimming, and any other activity you enjoy. (Remember sitting on the couch is not one of them). If you cannot afford to go to the gym workout at home. Borrow workout videos from family and friends, because they are probably on their shelves collecting dust :)

The best way to keep track of your fitness goals is to write them down and don't forget to weigh yourself and take measurements so you can see the results of your hard work on paper and in the mirror.

Click Here for free charts to keep track of your measurements and weight-loss.

These are the areas I usually take measurements:

• Neck
• Chest
• Waist
• Hips
• Thigh (middle and upper thigh)
• Calf
• Forearm
• Bicep (flexed and relaxed)

Remember, Remember, Remember!!! If it has been a while since you have worked out and you are starting a new program it takes about 6 to 8 weeks to start seeing results. Many people get frustrated because they are not seeing their weight come off fast enough. At the beginning of any exercise program your body is building muscle which in return will help you burn that extra fat. To help the body speed up the process you need to eat healthy and make better choices of what you are feeding your body. You probably have heard the saying, "You are what you eat." Well, think about it. Do you think obese men and women eat healthy on a daily basis? Find healthy recipes to make, and choose healthier entrees when eating out.

Whatever your goals are I know you can do it!

Consistency = Results