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Five Fun Tips
for Fall Fitness
(ARA) - With their kids in school,
many parents pledge to take advantage of their family's new fall
schedule by adding a daily workout to their routine. Here are
five tips for making fall the most fit season of all:
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1. Seize the moment: Time, or the lack of it, is
often cited as the biggest challenge to sustaining an exercise
regimen. When the kids return to school, what better way to use
some of that precious time than getting in shape?
Your workout doesn't have to
take a lot of time. Even a half hour walking your neighborhood
pays off in increased energy and stamina. Most health-club aerobics
classes are just an hour long, yet offer big fitness dividends.
Taking care of yourself is one of the best things you can do
for your family.
2. Enjoy the year's most beautiful season: In many
parts of the United States, autumn is a near-sacred season, with
its warm, sunny days, cool evenings and postcard perfect colors.
Get outside and enjoy the season by bicycling, walking, hiking,
jogging, and playing golf and tennis.
Explore parks in your area; find
a new bike path through the woods, take a walk around a lake.
The time spent out in nature will do as much good for your mind
as for your body.
3. Return to your club or gym: It takes 30 days
to make fitness a habit, and supplementing outdoor exercise with
increasingly frequent visits to your health club will help diversify
your exercise regimen and set the stage for regular workouts
once autumn's leaves have fallen. |
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A well-rounded fitness regimen is
important. While aerobic activity such as running or bicycling
is good for your heart, resistance training is also a critical
component of a balanced program, so be sure to take advantage
of your club's weight lifting equipment.
4. An apple a day: In many parts of the country,
autumn is synonymous with the apple harvest. Rich in antioxidants
and flavonoids, both of which reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol,
inhibiting the growth of dangerous plaques along blood vessel
walls, and dietary fiber, apples are a delicious and nutritious
snack that can be enjoyed any time of day.
Remember that each of us should
be getting at least four to five servings of fresh fruit and
vegetables every day. However, nine out of 10 Americans do not
meet these recommendations. As a result, many people should consider
some form of supplementation, according to Jeff Zwiefel, president
of Life Time Fitness' Health Enhancement Division.
"While the goal for everyone
should be four to five portions of fresh fruits and vegetables
per day, many people simply do not have the time or opportunity
to get there," said Zwiefel. "That's why Life Time
Fitness has introduced a full line of supplements that have been
specially designed to meet the unique needs and requirements
of both men and women."
5. Make it social: One of the great things about
exercise is that it doesn't need to be done alone. Find a friend
with a similar fitness level and goals; having a partner helps
you both stay motivated. You can use your exercise time to catch
up on each other's lives.
Boredom is the number one killer
of good health and fitness regimens. Exercising with a friend
puts the fun back into your workout. |
