Revisit Your Exercise Shortfalls!
It's time to take another look at the benefits of exercise!
Assess your fitness level. Are you satisfied with the results? If not, commit to change. I will work with you each step through the fitness column at Suite101.com.
You may have started and stopped working out for any number of reasons. Take a look at some of the benefits associated with working out (again!). There are so many life-transforming reasons to begin and maintain a fitness regimen; you only need one to be inspired. Will it come from within or from without? The numerous diseases and disorders associated with a sedentary lifestyle should make it easy to find one reason to begin!
When determining what will work best for you there is indeed a plethora of fitness genres to choose from. As we begin the new year, I’d like to take some time to reiterate some of the major benefits associated various physical activities. It is my hope that one will spark your interest and propel you towards an exciting new fitness regimen.
I am certain you’re familiar with the following suggestions, but I’d like to take a closer look at the benefits each provides.
Stretching:
- Reduces muscular tension
- Improves coordination
- Increases range of motion
- Helps prevent muscular injuries
- Prepares muscles for activity
- Improves mind-body connection
- Helps promote circulation
Aerobic activity:
- Increases longevity
- Reduces risk of heart attacks and strokes
- Decreases blood pressure
- Increases HDL (the "good" cholesterol)
- Decreases LDL (the "bad" cholesterol)
- Decreases risk of Type II diabetes
- Increases the body's ability to release fat stores
- Decreases percentage of body fat
- Decreases the recovery time from work
- Increases overall muscular strength and endurance
- Enhances muscle tone and physique
- Improves mental alertness
- Decreases strains associated with psychic stress
- Increases function of the immune system
- Improves overall quality of life
Resistance training:
- Increases lean muscle mass
- Decreases body fat
- Increases muscular strength and endurance
- Improves connective tissue strength
- Reduces LDL
- Improves bone density
- Slows the aging process
- Increases metabolism
- Improves mood and self-esteem
- Lowers risk of heart disease
- Improves balance and coordination
This is but a partial list; there are in fact hundreds of benefits associated with exercising.
Select activities appropriate for the season, your age, your fitness level and your present goals. For the winter months, if you're forced to go indoors, activities such as volleyball, basketball, skating, racket sports, wall climbing, spinning or aerobic classes can provide appropriate stimulation for improving fitness levels and weight loss. It is important to consume a balanced diet of nutritious foods while staying within your caloric range to ensure a healthy and successful fitness program.
I have written articles on beginning programs, fueling your body during and after workouts, selecting the right program for you, breaking through plateaus and various other fitness related materials. Take a look at the articles that interest you and if you don’t find what you are looking for please send an email to: fitness@suite101.com so I may address any of your questions or concerns.
"Whenever I make a bum decision, I go out and make another one." – Harry S. Truman
