Lifestyle Fitness

Are you wanting to get fit but don't know where to start? Are you more than a little confused by all the fitness jargon? Have you concluded that having a toned and conditioned body is only for the rich and famous? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then this blog may be just what the doctor ordered.

The opening decade of the 21st century will inevitably be described as a time of fitness revival. Moms, dads, kids, and grannies are grabbing their water bottles, sneakers, and towels and heading to the gym, park, track, or backyard. And I might add, not a minute too early! With fitness-related illnesses on the rise and overweight-obesity rates at a staggering 62%, what began a few decades ago as a health battle has now escalated to all-out WAR! And in this case, the fight is not one that we can afford to lose!

While many questions remain unanswered, physical wellness is not an unattainable wish. Regardless of age or health status, a person CAN improve health and fitness by making better decisions about lifestyle. By focusing on controllable habits of diet and exercise, the journey to an improved dimension of wellness is underway. Of course, we both know that THIS journey never arrives at a static destination. Rather, it is a dynamic process of lifelong change and growth.

I hope you're ready to get you and your family started. Sorry, if you're expecting magic dust -- no magic involved, just habit metamorphosis. But, just like you manage the shopping, cleaning, budget, cooking, and every other aspect of mothering, YOU can do this. Afterall, that's your gift -- caring for those you love.

This week's exercise emphasis is walking, that's right walking! So, how much walking and what kind are we talking about? Let's start with a minimum of 20 minutes on 3 days (5 would be better), arms slightly pumping, fast enough to maintain a conversation, but not to sing. Breathe in through the nose and blow it out through the mouth (more on this later).

Diet emphasis for the week is water. Divide your weight by 2 and chill that many ounces of water each night for the next day's consumption. For example, if you weigh 160 lbs, you will want to drink about 80 oz of water throughout the day and concluding by supper time (unless you enjoy nighttime potty visits).

Now take a deep breath and smile, you are on your way to lifestyle fitness, and it's impossible to travel alone! JB