Top 10 Ways to Stay Fit
1) Gain an understanding and appreciation for the health benefits of physical activity and exercise. People of all ages can improve the quality of their lives and reduce the risks of developing such afflictions as coronary heart disease, hypertension, some cancers and Type II diabetes by participating in moderate physical activity and exercise.
2) Make use of the most effective fitness equipment. Stability balls and resistance tubing or bands top the list as the most frequently used types of exercise gear, according to IDEA members. Also growing in popularity is balance exercise equipment, such as BOSU balance trainers, disks, wobble boards and balance boards.
3) Try the most popular fitness programs. There must be a reason why pilates and yoga maintain their popularity in an industry where new types of exercise programs seem to pop up every week. Find out by trying to one of these offerings.
4) Personal training and small groups training are effective. According to 2007’s IDEA Fitness Programs & Equipment Survey, fitness professionals who provide one on one training sessions still seem to be the most popular training format to this day. If this seems too overwhelming, try group training sessions, shared by two or more adults. Not having to sweat alone—as well as the added exercises you can do with a partner—is making this type of fitness workout more popular than ever.
5) Get outside and get moving. Since 2004, IDEA has found that exercising outside the health club has risen from 26% to 60%. Whether you’re on a Stair Master or trying to master the stairs from the beach isn’t important, getting your heart pumping and feeling fit is the end game.
6) Gain strength. There is an important evolution going on in fitness today. New importance is being placed on simplicity for gaining strength. Using smaller fitness equipment and participating in outdoor activities such as “boot camps” proves gains can be made without heavy exercise equipment or expensive fitness center memberships.
7) Mix apples and oranges. An increasing number of personal trainers and health clubs are offering fitness programs that mix such unlikely pairs as pilates and BOSU balance trainers, yoga and ballet, as well as pilates and tango.
8) Get a life style coach. According to the IDEA study; the number of people using a mentor to improve all aspects of their lives will increase greatly in years to come.
9) Join the wellness revolution. There are opportunities for everyone in an industry that is expected to top the $1 trillion very soon (up from $200 billion in 2002).
10) Inspire the world to fitness. Make a positive example of yourself. By doing so, the factors that lead to childhood obesity and adult sedentary lifestyles can be reduced.
