HOW many times have you kicked off the New Year vowing to get fit?
How many times have you rolled out a rigorous fitness plan that lasted
all of, well, 3 days out 365? How many times have you signed your name
on the dotted line of an expensive gym membership that you visited
maybe a haft of a dozen times? And how many times have you promised to
stay away from fried, greasy and cheesy foods, only to find that
someone keeps sneaking them onto your plate?
The good news is that all of those other times were just practice.
You can make healthier choices this year. Begin by setting modest goals
that you can adhere to year-round--even through the frenzied holiday
season, advises Gregory D. McCollum, co-owner of the Training Loft, a
private personal training studio in Chicago.
"Start slowly, but do it with zeal," says McCollum, a certified
personal trainer who has been in the industry for 14 years. "Ninety
percent of all fitness programs work if you simply apply yourself."
Besides setting realistic daily and weekly goals, fitness experts
advise people to rotate between cardiovascular, flexibility and
strength training. "You will see a positive change in yourself by
improving your cardiovascular health, increasing your flexibility and
building up your strength," he says.
Exercise
Find out your starting point through a fitness evaluation or a
physical from your doctor. After that, don't be afraid to hire a
personal trainer, or join a fitness group to help you get on track.
Cardiovascular health can be greatly improved through regular fitness
walks, runs and aerobic sports. If it's too cold in your neck of the
woods for outdoor activities, consider taking the stairs at work and
using the hallways at home to do lunges, which help tone the thighs and
buttocks. If you have a fitness club membership, be sure to take
advantage of the treadmill and stationary bike. If you are looking to
tighten that bulging midsection or simply to maintain your waistline,
crunches are always good.
Yoga classes and other exercises, such as side-bends, stretch the
muscles and help improve flexibility. You can build your strength by
using free weights and circuit training, fitness experts say.
Your Personal Trainer home.