January is the classic time for a new start. If you find yourself in the same boat as most Americans; overweight and sedentary, it’s time for a change.
I understand that fitness and exercise seem very unnatural to some people. In fact, if you are at a healthy weight and stay active, you are officially outside of the majority of adults in the United States. So congratulations and keep up the good work! If you are looking to become healthier in 2015, it’s easier than you think.
Your first steps, need to be just that, steps. . . walking. If the idea of pushing weights in a gym is totally demotivating, and intimidating, start by just adding movement to your day.
I’m sure you’ve read a lot about fitness, but if you find you are unable to implement your knowledge, my advice, is to start slow. The use of tools, like activity monitors will help get you going. There are many different brands, but I still like Fit Bit the best. It’s small and very user friendly.
Record your activity for one week and see how much movement you get. This is your base line. As an example, if you find you get 2500 steps in a day, start from there and gradually increase your numbers. Adding just 1000 more steps to your day will be the first steps to positive changes! It’s important to be aware of what you are doing now, so you know how to change it.
Slow and steady wins the race. To avoid discouragement that your weight and fat composition isn’t changing fast enough, have other health markers then just the scale. Get your base line for your cholesterol levels and blood pressure readings. As you add movement to your days you will see these numbers improve. All improvement is positive and should be noted!
Look at your added activity as an investment in your longevity. A sedentary lifestyle, quite frankly, leads to death. Everything you can do to add to your day will improve your health. Just walking farther in the parking lot, and taking the stairs instead of the elevator will get you closer to your health goals.
Here are 5 ways you can incorporate more activity into your day:
1. Use an activity tracker (Fit Bit’s a great one!).
2. Download an app like stretchware.com that will remind you to get up and stretch while working.
3. Find walking trails near your home and work.
4. Put away remote controls, force yourself to get up and change the channel.
5. Walk, or pace around while talking on your cell phone.
Make 2015 the year for a healthier you. You and your family deserve it!
Chani Overstreet is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer and owner of Strada Fitness & Wellness Center with her husband, Luke. Strada is a state-of-the-art fitness studio located at 3041 Churchill Drive, Suite 100, in Flower Mound, across from Lifetime Fitness. Call 972.330.4300 or visit www.StradaFitness.com for more information.
