Exercise for a Longer and Healthier Life

"An object in motion stays in motion" is not only true in physics, but it is true with our bodies as well. We need to "use it or lose it."

Exercise is a vitual part of keeping yourself healthy and happy. The old saying "No pain, No gain" is not a requirement for all exercise programs. Excerise is suppose to be fun, and if you can keep it that way you have a much higher chance of being successful with your excersise program. It is a way to stay active and engergize your body for long lasting health. Excersise doesn't have to to hard. Almost anybody can start some sort of excersise program no matter what your level of fitness is.
Excercise can improve both your physical and mental health. With regular exercise you will feel less stress and have energy to be more productive.

Some benefits of exercise are:

Helps prevent heart attacks
Lower overall cholesterol levels
Improved lung capacity
Lower blood pressure
More energy
Weight loss
plus many more...

"What excercise program should I start with?" That is a question you may be asking yourself. Let's take a minute to discuss three types of exercise that you may want to try. The are:

Aerobic
Cross-Training
Strength training excercises

Aerobic Exercise

Aerobics exercise has tremendous health benefits. It helps your body use oxygen more efficiently so your heart, lungs and muscles can grow stronger and healtier. It helps you tone your body, increase your strength all this while helping you burn off more calories.
When doing aerobic exercise it is best to use the large muscles of your legs and butt and be sure to exercise for at least 15 consecutive minutes to get the full benefit. Some great aerobic exercises are: brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, cross country skiing and aerobics classes.

Cross Training

Cross-training is great way to help you reach a new height of physical fitness. Cross-training is when you include another exercise into your normal workout routine. If you are a runner, try cycling. If you are a swimmer, try to do some running and visa versa. Start doing some cross-training and you will soon see some very impressive results.

Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening exercises work specific muscle groups by repeated contractions of a muscle to the point of fatigue. A few of these exercises to try are sit-ups, push-ups, chin-ups and weight training. I have a great article on my website about beginning weight lifting. You can find it at: http://www.info-on-hgh.com/beginwtlifting.htm

Before excercising

Before you excersise you should always stretch out. Stretching out before (and after) your workout will help you prevent injury and pain and it will also help you increase your flexibility.
Be sure you have a water bottle with you. Drink plenty of water while you are excercising. You need to keep your body replenished so that you will not become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration are head aches, dizziness and fatigue.

Track your progress

It is very imprtant to track your exercise and workout regiment. It is a big motivator to be able to see the progess that you are making and it helps you to set new goals. Keep excercise goal diary. Here is a free online interactive diary. It is a great tool and best of all it is free. You can find it at http://justmove.org/diary/login.cfm .

Remember before your start any excersise program be sure to consult your physician.

Now let's get out there and get healthy!