In my last article I covered Commitment and how we needed to commit ourselves, as we do in most stages of our lives, to our lifestyle and fitness if we wanted to be healthy and live longer active lives.

The Next Step is asking how we can help ourselves to be physically active, achieve a fitness level and maintain it to either lose weight, gain flexibility and mobility or improve our general well-being by reducing risks of developing those diseases or disorders that are linked to an inactive lifestyle.
Optimal Physical Fitness is described as “The condition resulting from a life style that leads to the development of an optimal level of cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and flexibility as well as achievement of ideal body weight“. In other words being fit, which allows you to do daily activities and leave enough energy to pursue leisure activities such as sports and hobbies.
Being active can help you achieve the above, but which fitness pursuit is best for you?  As there are many ways of achieving fitness, the one to choose is the one you will enjoy doing and cost wise fits into your budget, which will help you enjoy the experience and stay committed.  What you also need to consider with regards to your fitness choice is:
?  Do you want to do it on your own? 
?  With a friend or with a class or group? 
    Or
?  One on one in a private class with a Personal Trainer?
Working on your own can be hard especially if you are a person who needs motivation, this is where you may need someone as a fitness buddy or a Personal Trainer.  If you choose to work with a Personal Trainer or a Fitness Instructor in a class, make sure they are qualified in their respective field.
Fitness Instructors will make sure, in a group class, that you are doing the routines correctly, that there are higher and lower options depending on fitness levels and should encourage you to enjoy the class.
Personal Trainers will tailor workouts to your cardiovascular, flexibility and muscle balance needs, taking into account any medical issues and injuries.  They can also work in liaison with Physiotherapists on any rehabilitation or postural issues.
There are many ways to get fit.  If you don’t like the class environment choose another option till you find the one that suits you and the one you enjoy most.  A commitment to being active regularly will make you fitter and healthier.
Remember exercise is only part of the big picture.  Adopting a healthy diet is another major part of it.  Choosing foods and drinks wisely and watching portion sizes will go a long way to helping you reach your goal - A FITTER, HEALTHIER YOU.
Contact:  Teresa Quinn, Personal Trainer, for help and advice on Tel 3425 1491 or Mob 0438 582 679.