FIT FOR LIFE

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In a world that is constantly in flux, from economic conditions, to job security, to health care costs, to family responsibilities and a myriad of other stresses and obligations, it is more important than ever to take care of your health and fitness.  In so many situations taking a couple hours out of your week to care for your particular health and fitness needs can pay huge dividends when it comes to how you perform in and cope with life. Working to maintain your health and fitness does not have to be a difficult, painful and time consuming activity.  With as little as 2 -3 hours per week of consistent and specifically focused training, the benefits to every aspect of a person’s life can be dramatic.

 

For a parent the investment in your fitness can mean being more active in the lives of your children and grandchildren.  When it comes to work, being more fit and healthy can help you be more productive, get more done in less time and have fewer sick days creating more value as an employee.  Being fit can reduce medical insurance costs and many other costs associated with poor health. Having had the opportunity to work with many high level business executives, it is very evident that the work place is very competitive and the more productive and ambitious you are the more value you bring to your entire life.  Many people are realizing that to be at the top of the career game it is very important to condition themselves specifically for the demands and challenges of their lives much like a professional athlete would train for their game.

 

According to the American Heart Association only 44% of American adults get some exercise, but it is not regular or intense enough to help their hearts or overall health.  Another 28% of Americans are not active at all. Exercise must become a habit, part of your routine and lifestyle.

 

Benefits of regular exercise:

• Reduce the risk of heart disease

• Decreases high cholesterol

• Lowers high blood pressure

• Improves blood flow through body

• Increased muscular strength and stamina

• Improved lung function

• Weight loss and weight management

• Increased energy levels

• Stress management

• Improved self image

• Helps to ease the effects of anxiety and depression

• Prevents bone loss

• Helps you sleep better

 

How does diet affect your health?  The food you eat has a substantial impact on your health and improving your eating habit will improve your overall health.

• Eat more fiber (vegetables, whole grains, dried beans and oats)

• Limit alcohol consumption (no more than 1 drink a day for women)

• Limit the amount of saturated fat in your diet (increases cholesterol and plaque)

• Limit salt intake (salt or sodium are found in many canned, frozen and fast foods)

 

According to the American Heart Association 35% of U.S. adults are overweight and 30% are obese.  People who maintain a normal body weight are helping their own health. Excess weight can affect your health by:

• Raising LDL (bad cholesterol)

• Lowering HDL (good cholesterol)

• Raising blood pressure

• Causing high blood pressure

• Causing gall bladder disease

• Can lead to diabetes

• Affecting joints and movement

• Cause sleep apnea

• Can impact some cancers

 

Being FIT for Life is a very worthwhile goal for everyone regardless of the demands of one’s life.  I believe in a very individual approach to training, because everyone has different strengths, limitations, goals, and exercise preferences.  I believe that core strength and stability, balance, flexibility and joint integrity work are the keys to building a good foundation for your health and fitness.  In addition workouts should be constantly varied and challenging, while being mindful of target heart rate.