Exercise and Weight Loss

by Lauren Williamson Moloi

We all know the excuse, “I just don’t have the time to exercise”. Well considering that there are 1440 minutes in every day, it isn’t unreasonable to schedule 30 of them for physical activity!
Regular exercise is a critical part of staying healthy. People who are active live longer and feel better. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. It can delay or prevent diabetes, some cancers and heart problems.

In terms of weight loss, you need to expend / burn (physical activity) more energy (food) than you consume. Exercise is a key way to do this. When you exercise regularly, you build stronger muscles. Muscle cells burn more calories than fat cells throughout the day, even while you are resting. This helps boost your metabolism.

How much exercise you need to make a difference in your weight depends on how much you eat and what activity you are doing. The combination of exercise and diet is the best way to control your weight. It is often very daunting to initiate any type of eating and/or exercise training program, but a Biokineticist can help with guiding you as to the best types of exercise, as well as the intensity of training that you will require. Motivation is the crucial part of this weight loss equation. YOU HAVE TO WANT TO CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE ON A PERMANENT BASIS.

Aerobic exercise is exercise in which you are continuously moving a large muscle group such as in your arms legs and hips for a period of time. Your heart rate gets faster and your breathing becomes deeper and faster.

All adults should get 2 1/2 hours of aerobic exercise spread out over a week, but should be done for at least 10 minutes at a time.

All adults should do exercises to strengthen the muscles at least two days a week. These activities can include push-ups, sit ups, using resistance bands (like therabands), or lifting weights. Make sure to do exercises that work on all the parts of your body.

Making a Commitment

The decision to keep fit requires a lifelong commitment of time and effort. Exercising and eating right must become things that you do without question, like bathing and brushing your teeth. Unless you are convinced of the benefits, you will not succeed.

Patience is essential. Don't try to do too much too soon and don't quit before you have a chance to experience the rewards. You can't regain in a few days or weeks what you have lost in years of sedentary living, but you can get it back if you keep at it. And the prize is worth the price.

You should always check with your health care provider before you begin any new form of exercise.

REMEMBER!
“NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS SLIM FEELS!!”