lifetimefitt

The weather is finally turning and fortunately the drastic winter blizzards will be leaving the area for the season.

Now…not later… is the time to get the body ready for all the spring and summer outfits that we enjoy so much and show off our shapes and figures.

Ask yourself a question….When and what was the first sign that you needed to make a change and get yourself in shape?

With most people, it’s an episode of getting out of breath while climbing stairs after doing laundry or a person will get very tired and winded while shopping in the mall. Sometime the tell tale sign will simply be not being able to keep up with the kids during playtime.

This may or may not have been your exact scenario but I’m sure it there’s some similarity.

Most times our first revelation that something needs to change occurs when we engage in some form of physical activity.

When there is a lack of endurance and breathing becomes a challenge during activity, our body is letting us know that the cardiovascular system needs attention. If there is no ailment or known medical condition to contend with pertaining to our breathing system, we are in need of exercise. A strong cardiovascular system is based on proper operation of the heart and lungs. We increase the ability of this system to operate properly through “Aerobic” exercise. The term Aerobic refers to the need of oxygen.

Aerobic exercise refers to movement. As a person moves (exercises) the body craves oxygen. Movement forces the heart to push harder and the lungs are asked to work as well. As the heart is now working harder, it is pushing blood through the body. The lungs must expand and contract so that oxygen is push through the body as well as the blood stream, and the body is able to keep going. As we grow in our endurance, we are able to exercise or move for longer periods of time.

As I mention each week; Movement is key.

Walk, skip, dance…..whatever gets you off the couch and on your two feet.

Endurance is the ability to last. Your endurance can only grow with constant work. “Spot” exercise will not do the trick. More controlled breathing is a result of greater endurance.

Get off the couch. Turn the T.V off. Stop surfing the Web. You’ve got to get out and move.

When we join a gym, the primary form of exercise we engage in is strength training. Strength training is good and necessary but, it is an “Anaerobic activity”. This refers to activity that does not need oxygen. It does not directly stress the cardiovascular system. Weight training has some effect on the cardio system but not a great enough effect that weight or strength training alone will make a large enough impact. You’ve got to get up and move.

Ride the Exercise Bike, use the Treadmill, break a sweat on the Stair Master. Just get moving in some capacity. Working the body with machinery is excellent but, getting up and out and moving the body with out the aid of machinery can make a great difference. Without the aid of machinery you are working the body against gravity. This at time forces the body to work more naturally and somewhat harder.

Regardless of how you do it, get on the move. The body needs exercise. Without it, the body will break down. Spring is coming and you deserve to enjoy all that it brings.