5 Steps to a Fitter You

Everybody wants to look and feel more fit but most of us don’t have an exact picture of what we should do. You don’t need a bunch of fitness training equipment to get more fit. Watch the video to see how just performing more daily tasks standing up instead of sitting down can make you slimmer and more fit. How easy is that?

1. Visit your doctor to learn baseline measurements

Go to the doctor if you haven’t had a physical for a while. Have your cholesterol, BMI, blood pressure, and other key figures determined during an annual physical and discuss what type of fitness program is beneficial for you. This is when you should consider fitting out your home gym with fitness training equipment that will further your goals. A jump rope and a good pair of athletic shoes may be enough. Those interested in strength training will benefit from a resistance type home gym, which are very reasonably priced. If aerobics and heart health are the priority an elliptical exercise trainer, an exercise bike, or a rower or treadmill are worth considering. Each piece of exercise equipment has its particular advantages and disadvantages.

2. Perform a personal fitness assessment

Establish personal benchmarks before you begin so that you see how much you are improving. How many push-ups and sit-ups can you do in one minute? How long does it take you to get around the block as fast you can comfortably? If you have an exercise bike already how far can you pedal in 5 minutes?

3. Begin your personal fitness program

There’s no one size fits all here. Everyone’s fitness program should be tailored to individuals needs, desires and personal limitations. Some will start with a walking program. Others with a modification of their diet. Still others could include all of these aspects with the integration of a strength program. The single most important thing you can do is start.

4. Measure your success

Compare your baseline measurements to your present results every few weeks. Don’t rush it. It took a long time to get in our present fitness condition. Celebrate the goals you have achieved.

5. Adapt your program based upon your progress

Whether you made your goals and need to create new ones or you have hit a plateau, modify your program to keep challenging yourself towards a higher fitness level.