Choose Fitness - Weekly Tips

Make a Date to "Walk" with Someone You Love

Sun, 24 Aug 2003 19:10:39 GMT

So much of our social calendars revolve around meals, and food, that it's a wonder anybody can avoid being overweight. But, it's part of the culture. Nevertheless, you don't have to be a victim of the social pressure to go out to restaurants solely for entertainment purposes. Instead of choking down a steak with your significant other, try eating a moderate meal, and going for...

Park, Walk & Use the Steps.

Sat, 23 Aug 2003 18:10:08 GMT

Park, Walk & Use the Steps Whenever you have an errand, park your car as far away as you can handle and walk to the store. At the mall, park at the farthest end and walk the length of the mall. Use every opportunity to walk. At the end of the day, it all adds up to better fitness. Also, use the steps instead of escalators and elevators. Every little bit of additional...

Improve Your Results with a Workout Partner

Sun, 27 Jul 2003 18:08:53 GMT

You'd be surprised how having a dependable workout partner can greatly enhance your progress, whatever your goals may be. People have a tendency to work harder when someone is looking over their shoulder. That means you are less likely to miss workouts, or blow off exercises without pushing yourself to your full potential every time.

Proper Rest is Essential to your Health.

Wed, 23 Jul 2003 18:12:33 GMT

We all know that regular exercise is important to complete health, but just as important is proper rest. Getting a good night's sleep not only does wonders for your mental state, but it also facilitates the proper metabolic balance necessary for your body to recover from the day's activities, and maximize growth and progess in your fitness routine. Here are some things you can do to assure you are creating an environment where quality sleep will take place:

Try...

Measure your Progress at Regular Intervals.

Wed, 23 Jul 2003 18:12:25 GMT

Nothing motivates you more than seeing yourself making progress in your fitness goals. As long as you don't become obsessed in the process, tracking your progress is a great way to hold yourself accountable and reward yourself when you are successful. Be sure to schedule a fitness test at regular intervals, but don't get in the habit of things like measuring or weighing yourself on a daily basis. Fluctuations in your daily weight and measurements are more likely related to water...

Reduce your Alcohol Consumption.

Wed, 23 Jul 2003 18:11:36 GMT

Alcohol can add hundreds of calories to your daily intake, which can make the difference between weight loss, maintaining your current weight, or gaining weight. A single glass of beer or wine can contain at least 100 calories. Having a few drinks 3-4 nights a week could be adding 1,000 unforeseen calories to your diet. Alcohol can also dehydrate you, robbing your body of...

Consider the Whole you in your Fitness Goals.

Wed, 23 Jul 2003 18:11:30 GMT

A good fitness plan should include not only your physical appearance but your mental and spiritual well-being too. So take a look into ways to integrate a spiritual component into your fitness routine. Many types of exercise routines like Yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Gong, meditation, aromatherapy, and others, have a mental/spirtual component to them, and can easily be added to your...

Eat Smaller Meals, but Eat more Frequently

Wed, 23 Jul 2003 18:09:18 GMT

Breaking your meals into smaller portions can help to avoid over-eating, and will also allow you to maintain a more consistent energy level throughout the day. So, start the day with a nourishing but modest breakfast, and then nibble on something small, every few hours or so. Be sure to eat within one hour (something light) of your workouts, to maximize your energy level during your workout.

Hydration is Key to Health and Fitness

Wed, 23 Jul 2003 18:08:20 GMT

Drinking lots of water is one of the most important things you can do for your fitness. Most of us make the mistake of waiting until we are thirsty to drink. By that time, we are already de-hydrated. The importance of taking in enough water is grossly underestimated even by the most fitness-minded amongst us. But water is essential in all aspects of our health.

Make Stretching a Priority

Wed, 23 Jul 2003 18:08:07 GMT

Stretching is probably the most under-estimate part of a fitness routine, and the sad thing is it can be quite pleasurable. Get in the habit of stretching before and after each workout, and start and end your day with a brief stretching routine. You can even stretch before you even get out of bed in the morning and as you you are laying down for a good night's rest. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel during the day, and how much better you'll sleep at night.