A Guide To Ultimate Fitness

What is ultimate fitness? It's being healthy and feeling good about yourself. It's a convergence of physical and psychological well-being. Do you have ideals? Are you looking to be "ripped" or are the health benefits of exercise your goal? This guide to ultimate fitness is based on having or making time to exercise 3-4 days per week. Commitment is the key.

I've always enjoyed exercising and staying fit. But every day is a challenge to use my time productively. Working a full time job always presents obstacles to working out. But, I found that anyone, yes anyone, can find 20-30 minutes a day to devote to fitness.

From the time your head leaves the pillow, your day should be prioritized. If you realized how much time we waste each day it would make you sick (not literally). Are you a morning or evening person? Personally, I prefer morning. The question is, how can you free-up 20 minutes to get "ultimately" fit?

At first, experiment with different times of the day. Your body will send you signals telling you what's best.

Be creative!!!

Popping out of bed between 6:00 and 7:00 am, I go through my normal routine. We all have one, coffee, breakfast, anything we need to get into the flow of the day. I use this time to prioritize my activities. If you organize and simplify your obligations properly you're sure to find time to exercise.

Find an activity that your comfortable with and gets your endorphins flowing that's all you need. Whether it's strength training, yoga, running or walking, the method isn't important, it's about taking action. JUST GET MOVING!!

It's not rocket science... Simplify matters. Have weights (dumbbells), mats and any other equipment you need at home. It's actually not expensive and doesn't take up much space. Make it easy to add exercise to your routine.

Sweating doesn't make a workout. Proper technique and the right exercises that target the muscle groups you'd like to engage that day is the key. Walk at a comfortable pace.

Your main objective is "just do it"!

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My life wouldn't be the same without exercise. It would lead to insanity. I venture to guess that if you do make exercise a routine, there's no better therapy to restore your zest for life and self esteem. The following is just an example of what gets me to where I want to be.

STRENGTH TRAINING

Use weights that challenge you for 8-12 repetitions smoothly concentrating on form. Rest 30 seconds to a minute between sets and exercises.

1. Warm-up (5 minutes of stretching)
2. Squats (3 sets)
3. Military presses (3 sets)
4. Dumbbell curls (3 sets)
5. Standing reverse flys (3 sets)
6. Cool down

You've just worked all the major muscle groups.

I have the luxury of having a fantastic fitness center in my apartment community but, setting up a home gym is fairly simple and inexpensive. (see below). Or gym memberships are becoming more affordable in these economic times. Also seeing other people working up a sweat gives you motivation to do the same. You know are obsession with " keeping up with the Jones' ". It works!

WALKING

Just get outside and hit the pavement or hiking trail. The pace should be comfortable. You should be able to carry on a normal conversation without strain. I like walking by myself because I enjoy the solitude. It helps to clear my mind and tap my creativity. By all means, getting friends involved definitely makes committing to exercising even easier.

Whatever your life situation, exercise has to become part of your normal routine. Once you establish a program that works, you'll kick yourself for not starting sooner. The health and wellness benefits integrate into other parts of our life. It's been proven that people who workout on a regular basis have better nutritional habits, sleep better, and are more active sexually. We would all love that! Remember, establishing any habit takes time. Set realistic goals, take baby steps, and move on at your comfort level. Believe me, once you get into it you'll have a hard time taking a day off.

*** Disclaimer: I'm not a certified personal trainer, this just works for me. Please if there are any health issues involved, see your doctor before starting any fitness program.