There is no escaping the fact that in the modern world we live in we have no choice; we all have to exercise if we want a body that is healthy and works properly.
The guidelines issued in a recent health report state that an office worker sitting at a desk all day needs to take one hour of exercise per day to maintain a healthy body whereas a teacher or shop worker can manage on 30 minutes per day. For those of us who have never exercised, the thought of turning up at a gym or an aerobics class and sweating, puffing and panting away for an hour can be off-putting to say the least. Think of your body like a bank account. If you keep paying out, and never put anything back in, you will end up with nothing left. The important thing when trying anything new is to start slowly. Begin exercising with just ten minutes and start with something that you enjoy. Remember that you don‘t have to go to the gym if you don’t like the atmosphere in a gym. And you don’t have to go on a long run if you don’t like pounding the pavements.
To some people exercise is a private matter and they prefer to exercise in the privacy of their own bedroom. You can get a book or a video or send off for my Mini-Morning Workout, which is a great start to the day. Send an e-mail to [email protected] for a free copy.
Walking
One of the simplest and easiest ways to get exercise is to walk and the evening is a perfect time for a walk in the park or a stroll along the beach. It is wonderful because you can take the children and enjoy nature too. Brisk walking will tone you up and help you burn 160 calories in 30 minutes.
Routine is the key
Exercise at the same time every day and it becomes part of your daily habit. If you do it on some days and not on others you will feel that it is something that you can pick and choose and you may well choose not to do it any day.
The benefits
• Exercise boosts your metabolism and helps you lose weight.
• Exercise tones your body and keeps it flexible, supple and strong.
• Exercise helps prevent disease and improves conditions like diabetes and respiratory problems.
• Exercise improves your mood and makes you feel positive and happy.
Move out of that comfort zone
People who say they hate to exercise are probably saying this because they are not fit and are afraid to try. It is very easy to get into a comfort zone and say it is too late to start exercising. It is never a good thing to stick to your comfort zone — you need to keep challenging yourself all throughout your life. Start with my Mini-Morning Workout — keep going every day and you will soon become fit and be ready for a new challenge.
Ask Alva
What is the best way to improve my diet? — Salim
Eat seeds every day, plus fresh fruit and vegetables, more fish less meat. You are what you eat. Drink plenty of water. Don't short-change yourself. What you put in your mouth today determines your health in the future. You should also send for my Healthy Eating Guide — just e-mail [email protected]. — Alva
My daughter is 16 and is worried about her weight. It is making her very miserable and I am wondering what kind of diet to put her on so she can lose weight. — Honey
I never advise crash dieting because in my experience people who crash diet put the weight back on when the diet is over. Also, it is unhealthy and not good for the body. You need to help your daughter to get into good eating habits that will be part of her lifelong routine and she will then be fit and healthy not just in the short term but always. Exercise is always a good starting point for young people as once they start to exercise they can then start to care for themselves. I suggest your daughter mails for a copy of our Healthy Eating Guide — [email protected]. — Alva
