Fitness and Physical Activity

There are probably few people who would argue against the importance of fitness and physical activity in regards to our over-all health and well-being.

Researach repeatedly shows the importance in living a physically active lifestyle in reducing stress, maintaing proper weight, and preventing and reducing chronic diseases.

What do you think about
when you think of exercise?

• Enthusiasm

• Dread

• Work-out at the gym

• Running a 5K?

• Walking around the neighborhood?

• Playing sports

• Aerobics class

One thing is certain that not every type of exercise is right for every personality type. There are people who love to exercise and people who do not. Part of the problem is when people who think they do not like to exercise concentrate on the types of exercise they do not like. They then simply assume they do not enjoy exercising.

Many years ago, I saw myself as a person who simply did not like to exercise. I really did not like it. The truth was, I did not like the types of exercises that many others thrive on. After taking a little quiz I found in a magazine about fitness (many years ago) what I discovered was that I simply did not like to exercise in a loud group, such as in an aerobics class. Others loved it. I did not. I tried running. That seemed to be the in-thing at the time. I fell and broke my foot, 2 ribs, and sprained my ankle. So much for my running days. I was frustrated.

I discovered for me, I like to walk quickly either by myself or with a partner. I like weight training;. I like ballroom dancing (probably because I am dancing with one person at a time). I like hiking in the mountains; I do not like aerobic classes. In short, I like nature and I like to be alone, with a partner, or with a small group of individuals.

Other people thrive on the loud music, large crowds, and competition. There is no right or wrong thing to like best. I encourage clients to discover their exercise personality. A person is much more likely to succeed with a fitness program if they select activities they enjoy, not ones they are supposed to enjoy.

So find your passion and start, small if you need to. Even jumping jax and dancing alone in the living room is a good place to start and perhaps continue if that is your style. However, many people need others to help keep them motivated. Probably many of us do, and that is okay.

Find your passion and get started!

Do something everyday, regardless how small or insignificant it may seem.

Fitness activities need to be enjoyable and stimulating, even while pushing yourself enough to gain health benefits. Both aerobic type activities (dancing, walking fast, sports, etc.) and strength building activities are needed. Weight bearing activities not only improve muscle mass but increase bone density, especially needed in post-menopausal women.

Remember! Sedentary lifestyles lead to excess weight and chronic diseases. Physical acitivity is necessary for individuals of all ages, from children to the elderly.

Whether you join an exercise class, hire a private trainer, exercise to a DVD, walk with a friend, or dance alone at home to your music, anything is better than nothing. So getting started today if you do not already have a regular exercise program is vital to your long-term health and wellness.