The blustery winds blow snow into drifts and we all enjoy hot soups for supper. It’s hard to believe but bathing suit season is just around the corner. David Daniels, assistant director for fitness and wellness at the University of Omaha Nebraska, offers tips for getting fit in time for the beachy days of summer.
Daniels’ first concern is always that chances for injuries are minimized. He says to know what you’re doing before you start.
"Get oriented with the machine and the correct posture for all of your exercises," he explained.
The importance of the "buyer beware" principle becomes key in using fad diets. Many "remedies" offer weight loss without exercise or watching what you eat.
"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,"
he noted.
Science has proven that the only way to lose weight effectively is by burning more calories than you take in. One of the best ways to burn calories is to exercise, and a great place to start is by joining a fitness center.
Consider these suggestions:
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Plan to work out three to four times a week, at between 60 and 80 percent of your heart rate.ü
If you decide to use a health club or fitness center, be sure to consider whether classes, such as aerobics or yoga, are included in the fee.ü
Visit the club at a time when you will likely be coming for workouts. How busy is it? Is someone there who is going to be using the machines you will need, preventing you from using them?ü
Are the staff members identifiable? What are they doing – are they helping members? Will one be helping you as you begin your fitness plan?ü
Is the club near your work or home or in between? You are more likely to visit frequently if it is on your way home.Patience is the final tip. Daniels said to think about how long it took you to get out of shape. It takes time to get back in shape.
"This is one of those things that will benefit the tortoise more than the hare. A healthy, stable amount of weight loss is one or two pounds a week," he concluded.