Physical Fitness Starts With Physical Exercise

There is really no way around it. If you want to get back in shape, you are going to have to exercise. A full 75% of the population does not exercise on a regular basis. Of the remaining 25%, five percent are professional athletes What this means is that twenty percent of the populace at large is in pretty good shape and could kick the rest of our sorry tails around the block a few times. Some of us just do not like to exercise; however, a contributing factor in this sad phenomenon is the fact that we have the wrong idea about what physical exercise is. There are many fun and exciting things that we would love to do that qualifies.

• Games, like tennis, softball, or just rag tagging around the yard with the kids all qualifies as exercise. If it is fun and requires physical activity, it is good for you.

• Extended shopping visits that require plenty of walking, as in a trip to the mall, is also exercise.

• Activities like swimming, golf, hiking, and even sightseeing are fun or interesting and require walking, running, and even a little lifting.

• Making love to your spouse is an excellent way to improve your cardio.

Maximize The Benefits

Of these four, I do not have to tell you, which is my favorite; however, there are many items on my-sounds like fun-list that could qualify. There are also opportunities for you to tailor an exercise program to fit your needs. For exercise to be effective, you must take it seriously. In order to benefit from exercise, you will need to do so regularly for twenty minutes a day, at least three days a week. Of course, the more often you do exercises, the more benefit you will derive from said exercise.

Choose The Fun Ones

While these fun activities are great, the fact is that if you really want to get in shape, there are several sacrifices that you have to make. One of these is deciding to commit to real exercise. You will need to go online and look it up. There are a thousand and one options out there of which you can take advantage. Look at as many types of exercise as possible before deciding on three of them. Choose the three that seem the most fun to you and them alternate utilizing them.

Choosing The Right Fuel

The next sacrifice that you must make concerns your diet. If you are going to "work-out" and get into shape, you will have to control the kind fuel that you put into the tank. Exercising while eating a steady diet of junk food and empty calories will help, but mostly it is just a waste of time. Take some time again and do a little research. On the Internet, look up healthy foods. Once you have a nice long list of foods that are good for you, choose the ones that you love the best and work up a weeklong menu with nothing but these choices. Be creative and include some dishes you have never tried using the foods you would love to try or already love. After all is said and done, an untried recipe is usually just a bunch of food that you have eaten individually mixed up in a new and exciting way.

What's Up-Doc

Now that you have your exercise program and your diet in place, it is time to take the final plunge before you begin to work your plan. Before you begin eating your healthy diet and working your exercise program, you will need to gather all of your lists and notes and head for your family physician's office. You must run this by your doctor before beginning any new diet and exercise regimen. It is the safest way to go and he or she might even have some great suggestions for you.

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