Health Topics
-
Healthy Living
-
|
| E for Exercise!
|
| Mala Roy
|
| |
 |
Which woman doesn’t want to look as sexy as Terri Hatcher of Desperate Housewives? I know I do. As far as the guys are concerned, I am sure no man would say ‘no thanks’ to that washboard abs look a la King Khan. |
So far, so good. We all want to look like a million bucks, but do we really have to exercise? Like it or not, we do. The writing on the wall is loud and clear – shape up or ship out!
We all know that regular exercise brings with it a host of benefits. The real problem lies elsewhere –– motivating ourselves to do it ‘regularly’. So if you have still not started moving and shaking, these pointers below will surely help you get going.
Enjoy yourself
Exercising shouldn’t feel like a chore. With so many different workout options available today, it is pointless if you are going to sign up for an aerobics class and hate every moment of it! Remember how you look forward to those leisurely Saturday afternoons at the spa? You stick with it because you enjoy it, it makes you feel good. Unless you feel the same way about your workout session, chances are that you will bid adieu to your exercise schedule almost immediately after starting.
Mix it up
Don’t you like a little change from time to time in your daily schedule instead of having to stick to the same old routine? Your body likes it too. Also, if you devote each day to a different workout session, chances are you will stick to it more regularly. So go dancing one day, take in a swim the next morning, and go walking with a friend the following afternoon, and so on. Exercising will not feel taxing at all, plus your body will thank you for the variety.
A slow start
So you have decided to start exercising? Great! However, do not go overboard by torturing your body with heavy-duty workouts from the start, which will only lead to aches and stiff joints and take you back to inactivity. Start with gentle movements and slowly build up to longer sessions.
You could also re-do some routine activities to pack in some calorie-burning. Instead of getting all the housework done by the maid, take up some of the chores as per your schedule. Your home will look shiny and you will feel great. If you like dancing, put on some music and get moving. Give your car a break once in a while and walk down to the supermarket. Start by making these small changes and soon you will feel more active and build up on your endurance.
No time? No problem!
Exercising doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to take out time from an already jam-packed schedule, or shell out big bucks towards gym fees. Many are opting for working out at home these days, and with abundant resources being available in the form of books, videos and online trainers, it is quite easy to fit in exercise time during the course of the day. Invest wisely in a good workout video and start by fitting in mini-sessions to start with, and you will find yourself an exercise convert in no time.
Exercise = Energy
Once you get started with your exercise routine, the first thing that you will notice is the increased levels of energy that you will enjoy. Keep going and experience the quality of your life changing for the better. Losing weight and getting that perfectly toned body will take a lot of hard work, and by a lot, I mean a lot! Don’t lose focus though; and the rewards of regular exercise will be yours to enjoy lifelong. |
| |
|