Aug 26, 2014

Get Fit, Live Happy, And Live Healthy

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By Carla Pryes


Everyone knows staying fit is important, especially with obesity rates in America rising quickly. Want to work out, but don't have any good ideas? There are many ways to work on your personal fitness, and this article describes some great ways to have fun while working out and staying healthy.

To maximize your fitness routine and prevent injury, be sure to get rid of those old shoes. Shoes do not last forever, no matter how well you take care of them. They get worn down in certain areas and your foot leaves its own natural impression. In order to provide the maximum amount of support and cushion, first check for wear to your shoe, otherwise, assume that heavy usage will get about one year out of your shoe and medium usage will get you two to three years, in general.

Challenge yourself. Increase the amount of exercise that you do every day or every other day. You will eventually hit a plateau in your exercise routine and not be doing yourself any good when you get used to what you do normally. They always say 'no pain, no gain'.

Being fit isn't all about lifting weights. Cardiovascular exercise plays an important part of fitness as well. Activities, such as jogging or cycling, can get your heart pumping really fast, in order to burn off excess fat. It gives your muscles a workout and increases leg and core strength.

If you're trying to bulk up, start out by going until you can't go anymore and then having two cups of chocolate milk. Sounds simple, but a group of those just beginning were studied and it was found that training "to failure" caused a weight gain of 5 pounds in 2 months, but only if followed by a supplement.

If you're cycling, whether one a stationary bike or a real one, try to keep your speed between about 80 RPM and 110 RPM. You'll be able to go much longer before you get tired and you won't put as much strain on your knees. You can figure out your RPMs by counting the number of times your right leg comes to the top of the pedal in ten seconds and then multiply that by 6.

A great way to get fit is to consult with a professional bodybuilder. A lot of bodybuilders have their own web sites where they offer a service that gives you the opportunity to pay to have your own consultation with them. You can get their experienced advice on your diet and workout routine.

To stay hydrated, limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine. These two chemicals dehydrate your body and can leach nutrients from your bloodstream. The best drink for your body is pure water. Remember, you can lose a lot of water when exercising by sweating, so consider having an electrolyte replacement drink after workouts.

To build stronger abdominal muscles, don't overdo it. You don't want to do abdominal exercises every day of the week. Just like the other muscles in your body, your abs need to rest between workouts. Do your abdominal workout, just two or three days a week for the best results.

Eat as soon as you finish your workout routine. This is not counter-productive as long as you eat the right foods. After a strenuous workout, you need carbohydrates and proteins. So head off to find a shake that contains both of them. Either of them will help, but you get the most benefit when they are combined.

If you want your kids to get more exercise, try making it a competition. Buy everyone in your family a pedometer. Each day mark down how many steps each person has walked. At the end of the week, tally the totals up and see who the winner is. Come up with a good prize for the winner - a new toy, an extra desert, or getting to choose dinner for the night.

Staying fit can be difficult until you get in the habit of working out, but if you stick with it you will be rewarded with a great looking body. Hopefully you now have some great fitness ideas and are eager to apply them to your next run around the block or trip to the gym.




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