why exercise?

The promise of a slimmer, sleeker body is what gets most people off the couch to begin an exercise program, but there are many more reasons to begin exercising.

here are a few. . .

You will be able to sleep better at night. I know when I work out hard I sleep hard! When I stop exercising I am an insomniac. Exercise will help you sleep more soundly, but you will feel more energized during the day

Regular exercise can reduce joint swelling and promote better range of movement for people with arthritis. Keeping the muscles and joints moving is crucial to keeping loosened up

People who exercise have 30 percent less chance of developing gallstones

Active people have a lower risk of colon cancer

You will be happier and have less anxiety and depression. Your sense of well-being is increased

Exercise decreases your risk of heart disease dramatically

Exercise lowers your blood pressure

It will decrease your risk of developing diabetes and if you have diabetes exercise decreases your symptoms. It will keep the blood flowing through to your extremities and this is important for diabetes. Strengthens muscles and reduces fractures from falls. With your increased strength you will have the ability to do things you could not do before. You will have a slight spring to your step and energy in all your movements

An increased bone density and reduced osteoporosis. Having stronger muscles is important to strong bones

You will be more regular. In other words, you will not be constipated. You will feel a sense of accomplishment and power in your self. Setting exercise goals and sticking to them will raise your self-esteem. You will be able to trust yourself to accomplish anything you want to do. You will love your new body and your new health

Start exercising today for all the benefits. No body should be without exercise!

exercise tips to get you started

burn more fat

Studies have shown that drinking a cup of black unsweetened coffee before you do cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise helps release more fat into your blood stream, which can then be burnt off as you sweat it out!

pillow talk

Everyday get into the habit of moving your body for 30 minutes. This need not be all in one go - you can do two bouts of 15 minutes or three bouts of 10 minutes - but get into the habit of asking yourself each night as you rest your head on the pillow, Have I actually moved my body today for 30 minutes? And make sure you can answer YES!

think positive

You get what you focus on, so instead of saying to yourself I must lose weight try telling yourself I'm getting slimmer instead.

move

Your body was designed to move a lot (not necessarily to do circuit training and lift extreme weights though that's fine if you enjoy it). Instead of sitting in front of the TV, get yourself a more active leisure life - go dancing or swimming or cycle to the pub. And when you're at work, get up from your desk regularly and take a brisk walk at lunchtime.

find a training regime you enjoy

Try different types of classes until you discover a teacher that inspires you so much that you keep returning.

stay positive

If you miss a training session because of an important appointment, don't get upset, just go back to the gym when you have more free time.

be daring

Try something you've never tried before. If you're used to a gym with hi-tech equipment, multi-channel TVs and pumping music, try a yoga class.

get in front of the camera lens

When starting a fitness plan, using a camera, put on a swimming costume every week and get someone to take a picture of you. Knowing you will have a picture of yourself at the end of each week will provide an incentive to stick to your regime. At the end of 24 weeks you will clearly see the results!

music

Always listen to high tempo music on headphones when working out. Music motivates you to keep going at a consistent rate.

set yourself reasonable goals

Set achievable but challenging, short and long-term goals for your training. These can vary from fat loss to running a marathon. All short-term goals should ultimately contribute to attaining your long-term goal. Regularly check your progress against your goals and adjust your training and expectations accordingly.

have fun

Make your training fun and varied. Don't get stuck in a rut andlet your training become a chore. Try different workouts, classes and activities. For example, I'll often substitute a session on the climbing wall with an upper body weight session. The variety will also provide different physiological stimuli for your body's systems and help prevent plateaux in your training.

find a training partner

Training with someone of a similar or slightly higher standard will ensure that you keep pushing yourself during your workouts. Don 't try and train with someone who has a very different level of fitness to you as this can be very de-motivating and unrewarding for both of you. If you struggle to find a training partner, working with a trainer will have a similar effect.