Oh, how the time flies when

you're exercising and having fun.�It seems like yesterday I wrote

my first article for the Healthwise section.�Actually, this is the sixth

article that I have been privileged to write.�Obviously, the seasons have

changed from summer heat to winter chill, but one thing has not changed

- the human body needs a certain amount of exercise to be at its

healthy best.

So here I go again, continuing

my crusade to spread the word regarding the importance of exercise.�For

those of you who have read all six articles, you will recall how I try

to convince folks that exercise is indeed an individual choice of activity.

Recall how 83-years-young Miss

Rose diligently works to build and maintain her strength and balance by

walking on the treadmill, using the rowing machine and following a specific

weight lifting program.�She is still at it and continues to brighten the

gym during her early morning workouts.

And 13-year-old Sam is getting

bigger, stronger and faster by following his dynamic training program.�(Sam

is a polite respectful young man who could now go bear hunting with a

stick!)

Let's not forget Mary,

who is now 52 and in better condition that she was when she was 51. Mary

is reducing her body fat percentage from an unhealthy level to one that

is out of the danger zone.�She looks and feels better and has a lot more

energy.

Exercise is the catalyst for

adopting a health lifestyle.�It goes hand in hand with a health nutrition

program and the making of good decisions.�I continue to have the feeling

that so many people consider exercise to be some form of torture, cruel

discipline, sweat drenched activity and many other negative images�(for

some of us, sweat drenched exercise is a definite positive).�Exercise

can be as simple as a taking a walk, doing some gardening, taking a bike

ride, or many other activities.

As has been pointed out, the

benefits of exercise are well worth the time invested.�Benefits include

more energy, reduced stress, weight control, minimizing or eliminating

unhealthy conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension

to name a few.

Maybe some people have an aversion

to stereotypical exercise tools such barbells and treadmills.�For those

of you in that category, consider these alternatives:

- Stability balls, inflatable

and approximately 22 to 24 inches in diameter, are superb for developing

balance and core strength.�Many come with an instructional manual or CD

showing how to use them.

- Medicine balls are wonderful

tools for developing functional strength�and cardiovascular health.

- Elastic bands enable

the user to obtain a great workout.

- Heart rate monitors

are terrific for providing important information for the person wanting

to get/stay in shape, lose weight, or gain extreme fitness.

- Jump ropes provide a

fine way to build endurance, lose weight and build a strong heart.

The above items can be used

How do you get started on the

road to a healthy living?�For those who need to make adjustments in lifestyle,

find a way to do something for yourself.�Start slowly, at your own pace,

and experience small improvements such as more energy and vibrancy. You

will notice that these small improvements will provide the kindling to

build a raging fire of continuing benefits.

Let's all have a happy

and healthy New Year!

Happy Holidays from the Caldarello

family - Jenny, Justin and your humble health and fitness guy.

Questions about fitness and

training can be directed to Mike at [email protected] and will be answered,

either by e-mail or in future columns.

(Mike Caldarello is a personal

trainer who works with Gold's Gym Fayette. His column appears regularly

in HealthWise.

Back

to Healthwise Home Page |