THE TOP 10 WAYS TO GET AND STAY FIT

It is no big surprise that there is a positive correlation between exercise and long-term physical and emotional well being. But HOW are you supposed to take care of your body when there are so many reasons why you can't or won't? Here are ten ways to get fitness into your life which may leave you fresh out of excuses.

1. Choose a Body.
Within the limits of genetics and physiology, the body you live in is largely a matter of choice. Look at yourself; you chose this body. You are not a victim. Choose to accept it or choose to change it. If your body doesn't look or feel the way you'd like it to, decide how you might like it to be. Imagine your new body at work, or with your family at the holidays, or at the beach on vacation. What will you feel like?

2. Run a Marathon.
No, no-I don't mean you should actually RUN a marathon (not yet, anyway). But run a marathon--or local road race, bike tour, swim-a-thon, etc. There is always a huge demand for volunteers at water stops, start and finish lines and everywhere in between. The atmosphere at such events is overwhelmingly upbeat and healthy. It's a great, no-risk way to check out the road race scene and to help your community at the same time.

When you get the courage (and the wind) to sign up as an athlete, remember that the competitive part of it is really only for the top runners. For everyone else it is a race against/with yourself-you can't lose! It can also give a concrete purpose to your training.

3. Join 'Em.
Take a look at what other people in your family do for activities. Maybe your daughter is taking tennis lessons. If she's still at an age where she can risk being seen with you bumbling all over the court, get out there with her and practice with her, or take a lesson yourself. Have your son teach you how to hackey sack and get better at it than he is.

Does your husband play golf? Take a lesson, even if the thought of it makes you cringe at first. These things can lead to compound positive results: more family or couples time, a new pastime for you, and - oh yeah - exercise.

4. Flip Flop.
No, I'm not talking about the flab wings you feel like you are sprouting on your upper arms. I'm talking about your metabolism. Many people do their exercise in the morning and tend to consume more calories in the evening (output in the morning, input in the evening). The problem is that your metabolism gets progressively more sluggish as you head into the end of the day. Take advantage of the natural tendency toward burning calories early on: have a solid breakfast and save the situps for after supper, when you really need them.

5. Doctor's Orders.
I'm willing to bet that a large percentage of you (especially men) have not had a general physical this year (or last year, or the year before that, or...). Women, when was your last pap smear? Fitness is about taking care of yourself. Start with a tune up. Yes, you may get news and numbers which don't exactly thrill you, but you may also get a much-needed kick in the pants.

Somehow it's easier to exercise when you've been told your life is on the line. Then if you do pursue fitness after that appointment, you might actually look forward to getting back on that cursed clinic scale.

6. Hang out with Fitties.
We all have a friend or coworker who always looks great, eats healthy and exercises. If it doesn't irritate you too much, spend more time with that person. Take a good look at your unfit friend, the one who drinks, the one who smokes, etc.

If you truly value that relationship, see if he/she might join you in an effort to make a lifestyle change (strength in numbers, you know). If your offer gets a flat reception, it may be time to take a closer look at the friendship.

7. Clean It Like You Mean It.
There are definitely days when you will not get out to exercise in the classic sense. On these days, take a mundane chore such as laundry or lawn mowing and do it with gusto. Turn it into a game and time yourself. Next time you go do that chore you can go for the new land speed toilet scrubbing record. It lacks a bit in glory, but you wind up with some bonus exercise, your work is done more quickly and probably more thoroughly.

8. Dress the Part.
If you join a gym or take up walking, etc. don't show up in a giant t-shirt, paint-spattered sweats and your kid's hand-me-down sneakers. Show up clean, in comfortable, new exercise garb.

INVEST IN PROPER FOOTWEAR. It's worth it. Save these clothes only for exercise, not for the grocery store or lounging about. It's your exercise uniform. If you look like a person who exercises, you will feel like a person who exercises.

9. Take Charge.
It's so easy to blow off exercising, because it's only your body, right?(!) But if you somehow become responsible for other people's exercise, well, then you're more likely to show up.

Get a couple of friends together (at least two) and start a walking club. Market yourself as a dog walker. (The local animal shelter is always looking for volunteers to exercise the dogs.) Get certified to teach a fitness class - then you can even get paid to exercise.

10. Change with the Seasons.
Think about it - when does your routine usually fall apart? End of the summer, right after the holidays, end of winter sports season, end of the school year. It only makes sense, though. In a temperate climate your life begs for a change with the seasons - let it happen!

Plan to drop your exercise routine and change your diet at the end of each season. Around about the sixth week when you are starting to run out of steam you can take comfort in the fact that you are half way through. It might be enough to get you over the hump. This applies to gym memberships, too; no deal is good if you're not going to use it. Sign up for three months at a time.

About the Submitter:
Submitted by Katie Clancy, Master of Education, ACE certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant, who can be reached at tglconsult@capecod.net The original source is: Kathleen A. Clancy, M.Ed., LWMC.

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