We all know that we should exercise regularly for the benefit of our health, but we really don’t want to. I go through phases when I get involved in an exercise program, but then go through a busy period and get out of the habit. I then feel guilty and gradually get back into it and really enjoy it again. I now visit my health club on the way home from the office and it is so nice and relaxed there that I actually look forward to going to the gym after a busy day.
Taking care of your body is so good for your health and after going for a swim, you don’t feel like hitting the cookie jar when you get home — thoughts tend more toward a healthy apple instead. The most important aspect is to find exercise that you enjoy and if you choose to join a health club, find one that is conveniently located for you, and where you feel most relaxed. Sometimes young fitness trainers can put you off by putting you onto over-ambitious gym work. If that seems to be the case, don’t be afraid to go back and ask for something less demanding. If the gym is not for you, try joining some kind of exercise class instead. If you can do some kind of exercise five days a week you are taking good care of your body.
For many, keeping fit is a personal thing, and if you don’t feel ready to exercise away from home, try my mini-morning workout. For the very unfit, I even have a program of exercises that can be done sitting down and you can e-mail me for this at [email protected]. Try to exercise at the same time everyday, so that it just becomes a matter of routine.
Exercise Hint
Motivation
The majority of people who start an exercise program quit in a matter of weeks. The two main reasons are that they don’t see results fast enough and decide that it’s too much work for the effort required — and that they set themselves too high goals.
Try these ideas to make your goals more achievable:
• Make goals measurable: Assign numbers to the goals you want to achieve — number of minutes or kilometers covered in a day, etc.
• Make goals attainable: Pick short-term goals you can reach consistently — walk or run 15 continuous minutes within 2 weeks, exercise 3 days each week, etc.
• Make goals incremental: Plan to reach your overall goal several months away — break your total (kilometres, days, or kilos) into weekly goals.
Ask Alva
I am a 19-year-old boy. I don’t have an attractive figure, and my friends often tease me for that. I have a medium stomach, big lower abdominals, and big thighs. I really want to shape up my lower abdominals and thighs and also want to lose about 15 kilos. Freddy
You are young and can lose weight and get a nice, toned figure in a few months.
I have had experience of many older boys who suddenly realize that they cannot eat as much any more and must exercise to prevent putting on weight. So start by thinking about what you are eating and why do you eat? Because you are hungry? Do you eat out of boredom? Do you eat to comfort yourself? Answer these questions to yourself honestly and decide to make losing weight and getting a fit, healthy body one of your goals. A young man needs a toned body, so you need to do 20 minutes of exercise each morning. You brush your teeth every day to take care of them, so how much more important is it to take care of your body? I have a special set of exercises to tone the abdominal muscles and you can e-mail [email protected] for a free copy. Alva
For all your weight concerns and questions e-mail Alva Carpenter at:
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