Fit Or Fat: Nutrition and Exercise

Can You Help Me Get Started?

Posting Date: 04/06/2000

Q: I live in the country and don't have access to a gym. I know I need to get started on an exercise program, but can't seem to do it. Can you help?

A: I know it is hard to find the motivation to get started. But once you have made the commitment and the decision to start, you are on your way. The trick to adding exercise to your day even with out the advantage of a gym is to be a little creative. Believe it or not, you have a lot of options right in front of you. Everyday chores can be made into exercise. A bag of books can be made into weights. A walk to the mailbox can be turned into a power walk. What it comes right down to is this: You need to add exercise to your days! Get little bits any time that you can. Here are some ideas for you:

1. Get some aerobic videos -- there are lots, get a variety.

2. Walk, walk, walk.

3. Add interest to your walks by doing sprints (just short bursts of higher intensity followed by a recovery walk pace).

4. Create an obstacle course outside. Or do drills. Run, skip, hop... go around the tree. This may sound silly, but its fun and it really improves fitness, agility, and balance.

5. Find someone else to exercise with.

6. Get some handheld weights. Do whatever comes naturally. Don't feel that you have to do anything fancy. Mimic natural movements that will build strength where you need it.

I hope that these ideas will help to get you motivated and get moving. Remember to keep it fun and easy so that you will want to do it again the next day. And most of all, remember this:

Even when you don't think that you are getting results know that your body is making internal changes and your health improves with every step you take. It is so important to keep going! Think about all the chemical changes that are happening. The muscles are getting stronger, the fat burning enzymes are increasing... and doesn't it feel good? Better sleep, better rest, and better energy.

For helpful ideas to keep you going strong, check out our Survival Guides.

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