Spring is right around the corner and I have had several people asking questions about fitness. Here are some of those inquiries and my responses.
How do I start a fitness program?
“Try to get moving every day. Whether it’s walking, running, swimming, strength training, sports, playing with the kids or whatever works for you. If you can do that you will get healthier and fitter over time.”
How long will it take for me to get in shape?
“It takes time. Any exercise program that promises results in a week or even a month is either lying to you or is not worth it. If you have a drastic weight loss in a short amount of time, you will gain it back in a short amount of time because you haven’t changed your lifestyle or habits.”
“You will not see quick results if you get active, but you will see long-term results if you stick with it.”
Is eating right as important as exercising?
“What you eat is just as important as exercise. Make small changes over time to your diet. Drink more water instead of soda. Fresh fruits and vegetables will be more available because of the weather, so try to add at least one fruit and vegetable to your daily meal.”
If I have not been exercising, should I exercise every day?
“Take it slow. Your body needs time to adapt to the exercise and if you overdo it you can injure yourself or experience a burnout. Neither is good if you are trying to stick with it long term. Progress gradually, in small steps, and you will stay injury free and see great long-term results.”
I want to walk/jog a 5k, where do I begin?
“There are a lot of different sites out there that will give you a day to day workout. One of the best is www.c25k.com.”