American Heart Association’s website: Make the time!
- Start slowly. Gradually build up to at least 30 minutes of activity on most or all days of the week (or whatever your doctor recommends).
- Exercise at the same time of day so it becomes a regular part of your lifestyle. For example, you might walk every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 12:30 p.m.
- Find a convenient time and place to do activities or fitness for seniors. Try to make it a habit, but be flexible. If you miss an exercise opportunity, work activity into your day another way.
Keep reasonable expectations of yourself.
- If you’ve been sedentary for a long time, are overweight or need to maintain weight management, have a high risk of coronary heart disease or some other chronic health problem, see your doctor for a medical evaluation before beginning a physical activity program.
- Look for chances to be more active during the day. Walk the mall before shopping, take the stairs instead of the escalator or take 10–15 minute breaks while watching TV or sitting for walking or some other activity.
Make it fun!
- Choose activities that are fun, not exhausting. Add variety. Develop a repertoire of several activities that you can enjoy. That way, fitness will never seem boring or routine.
- Ask family and friends to join you. You’ll be more likely to stick with it if you have company. Join an exercise group or fitness facility. There are even programs specifically for tween and teens to have fun and make new friends while combatting childhood obesity and maintaining weight management.
- Use variety to keep your interest up. Walk one day, swim the next, then go for a bike ride on the weekend.
- Use music to keep you entertained.
Track and celebrate your success!
- Note your activities on a calendar or in a logbook. Write down the distance or length of time of your activity and how you feel after each session.
- Keep a record of your activities. Reward yourself at special milestones. Nothing motivates like success!
- Visit the American Heart Association’s website – StartWalkingNow.org – to find all the resources you need to get moving and stay motivated.
Valentine’s Day comes just once a year, but your heart needs daily attention. Celebrate today by beginning a heart-healthy exercise regimen – not only for your health, but also for the sake of your loved ones. Learn how Fitness for Health can help you create a heart-healthy and fun, exercise program to reach your personal goals. Whether you prefer EDGE – our athletic training system, Healthy Heart – our weight management program for tweens and teens, or fitness for seniors, we can create a customized exercise program to fit your unique needs.]]>
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