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This issue: I’m Exercising Why???   Please Remind Me!

Here’s some news you may not know already. Cutting down on calories helps you lose more weight than does exercising. Having said that, however, leads me to another point—research shows that those who don’t exercise will put the weight back on within 3 to 5 years.

So, the best way to manage your weight issues is to combine both calorie restriction and regular physical activity. Over the long haul you will be better able to keep the weight off AND be better able to ward off health issues, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, enjoy an improved quality of life with more energy, and find yourself moving around much more easily.

Here are some more interesting facts about exercising. The heavier you are, the more calories you’ll burn. The more often, the longer, & the more intensely you work out, the more calories you’ll burn, as well.

So, according to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota, getting started necessitates that you get your doctor’s ok beforehand and then get moving! One of their suggestions is to walk, but don’t rule out other aerobic activities, such as swimming, biking, as your fitness improves. Along that line, gradually increase the distances you travel and the speed at which you move.

Try different training methods. One calls for you to move at different speeds, instead of keeping one steady pace. Interval training involves you pushing yourself a little harder than normal. Go a little faster, breathe a little harder-for 1 or 2 minutes, and then back off to a speed you’re more comfortable with. Be sure to breathe easier before trying to push yourself again in that same workout. Do this several times.

Another way to vary your routine is to try different activities. Walking is fine, but other options involving low impact aerobics are using an elliptical machine, swimming and biking. Choosing different activities each week can help prevent boredom, lessen the likelihood of repetitive injuries, and work different sets of muscles.

One last reminder—begin your workout with a warm up of 5 minutes or so, plus, end with a cool down of another 5 minutes. Nobody wants to take the time for these, yet they are both important. Just start out at a slower pace than usual & end with this slower pace, as well. In our mad rush to finish the workout we may tend to ignore this advice, but it’s really not a good idea. As a matter of fact, if research discovers that it’s not proven to be effective, I promise you…I’ll write & let you know immediately!

So, if it’ll entice you to go farther and faster by knowing how far you’ve gone, or how many steps you’ve taken, get yourself a pedometer & get moving! We have nothing to lose but some pounds and everything to gain, including better health. There really are many positives to be had as we pursue better physical fitness. Find out for yourself what they are!     Stephanie

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