While many people are obsessed with fitness and weight loss, very few actually see results and obtain their goals because very few people know how to exercise and diet effectively. The good news is that the solutions are so simple that, with self control and effort, anyone can implement them and achieve a higher level of general fitness.

A fitness lifestyle consists of three essential elements: 1) Consistent exercise, 2) a nutritious diet that complements your workout, and 3) a lifestyle-change attitude. These three simple yet critical lifestyle components will result in a faster metabolism, weight loss, and increases in general fitness throughout your body.

There are two types of exercise: Weightlifting or weight training, and aerobic/cardiovascular exercises, such as running, swimming, etc. Both methods should be combined for best results.

Weight training is what we typically see people doing in gyms. They lift weights and place strains on specific muscles in order to make them larger and more powerful.

One thing to understand about weightlifting is that there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. While placing your muscles under weighted strains is incredibly beneficial, it is highly recommended that you do not lift weights every day.

As you exercise, you actually break down your muscles and they need time to recuperate in order to get bigger and stronger. If you do not give yourself a day to recover, your muscles will not have time to rebuild after being broken down and, if not allowed to rest, will eventually degrade and become weaker.

One way to avoid this problem is to use a workout schedule that only focuses on exercising certain muscle groups during each workout session. This way specific muscles are allowed to rest while you exercise other groups.

Cardiovascular exercises, on the other hand, can be done everyday if you so desire. Cardiovascular activities include, but are not limited to running (on a track, treadmill, or on the open road), swimming, jump rope, skiing, cycling, tennis, handball, etc.

While these activities will not necessarily build enough muscle to make you a muscleman (or musclewoman), they are essential for a healthy heart and healthy lungs. These workouts also are more effective at burning fat than lifting weights and strength training.

The best workout schedules combine both types of exercises because they provide both sets of benefits: larger muscles, less body fat and healthier organs. By combining strength training and cardiovascular activities, you can let your specific muscle groups rest while maintaining a constant workout schedule throughout the week.

Consistency in workout is the most important aspect of physical exercise. This is why people who only work out every once in a while very rarely see the weight loss and muscle gain results they want.

Even more important than consistency in your exercise schedule is a consistently nutritious diet. All of Viagra Jelly the running in the world will not save you if you are eating unhealthy foods or overeating.

The key to nutrition is not to diet. A diet is a quick-fix when we really need responsibility and commitment to healthy eating.

In order to live a fitness lifestyle, you must make a permanent change in your eating habits and nutritious lifestyle. You cannot think about going on a diet, you must be willing to change your life and your perceptions about eating, food, and nutrition.

Generally, you should commit to eating fewer calories than you burn during the day. Most people can live well on 2500 calories a day if they are engaging in daily physical activity.

One should avoid all sodas and sugary drinks because they are easy to consume in large quantities and contain more calories than most people realize. Replacing all your sugar soda intake with water will help you lose weight quickly (though faster in men than in most women).

It is also important to watch the amount of fat you take in. Use low-fat or “diet” foods (just don’t forget that you’re effecting a lifestyle change, not on a diet).

Most importantly, however, is your attitude. As the third essential aspect of a fitness lifestyle, your attitude determines your success.

Everybody needs to understand that living well is a life-long process. There are no quick fixes to perfect health, so we must be dedicated to changing our exercise and eating habits in order to change our lives.

Author Bio: Terry Daniels is a personal trainer who helps his clients lose weight and keep it off. He has run six marathons and is currently training for the Iron Man Triathlon. He recommends a combination of using fitness equipment and outdoor training for your fitness needs.

Terry Daniels
terrydaniels09@gmail.com
http://www.healthrider.com

Category: Health/Nutrition
Keywords: Fitness