Fitness Doesn’t Happen Overnight

Fitness Doesn’t Happen Overnight

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” – Michael Jordan

Fitness doesn’t happen overnight.  Give your body the opportunity to change and you’ll reap the rewards of your efforts and feel better & happier than you have ever felt.  I hear some of you groan and think, ‘what does she know, I’m so overweight and so unfit that nothing will ever help me’.  I love it when anyone says this as I’ve seen incredible changes to so many people, including those who are severely impaired and overweight.

BUT, there is a secret all these people shared:  Without exception they desired that change:  They were willing to work to make it happen:  They all imagined themselves stronger, fitter, leaner, happier.

In the months to come we’ll have different guidelines and programmes for exercising but this month, let’s start with one of the most important aspects of physical fitness – cardio respiratory endurance or Cardio as its best known.

This is the foundation of all fitness and by increasing your aerobic capacity your lungs, heart and blood vessels will function at a much higher level and your body will enjoy improved delivery of oxygen and nutrients and more efficient waste removal.

Have you ever done something that has left you, hot, sweaty, gasping for breath with a pounding heart?  That’s your respiratory system battling to cope.  Until you increase your aerobic capacity you will never enjoy the true benefits of exercise or cardio.

Let’s start with 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week and by the end of the 2nd week see if you can build up to 4 or 5 times a week for 45 minutes a day.  Make it a routine, embrace it, don’t be scared of it.  Enjoy that awesome feeling after exercise when the endorphins (feel good hormones) run through your body, it is such an incredible, uplifting experience and one you’ll want to repeat over and over.

You don’t have to be a member of a gym and whether you are able bodied or mobility impaired you can make your choice from this list.  30 mins of walking (legs or wheelchairs), gentle jogging/walking combination, freeform dancing to music, cycling, swimming, air boxing, wash the car, walk the dog, climb the stairs,  play with your family or for those severely impaired, use a passive exerciser to move your limbs and get the circulation going.

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Whatever you decide, get out into the sunshine, smell the freshness in the air and enjoy yourself.  Don’t think of it as hard work, know you are finally doing something to improve the quality and quantity of your life and it can only get better from now on.

Group cardio session at Ashley Village

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NB. Before embarking on any exercise routine, I strongly advise you get the all clear from your doctor and/or therapist.

 

 

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