Getting fit

Feb 9 2008 by Steven Swanson The Journal

DURING the next four weeks I am going to talk about the wonderful subject of holidays and how to get in shape for them.

The post-Christmas rush to get fit is now almost over, with lots of people already giving up on getting fit and that new body.

Why? These things take time, so if you want to get fit for summer, now is the time to start. So that is my plan for next four weeks – get all readers in tip-top condition for the amazing weather we are going to experience this summer!

If you want to get fit, the best thing is to do it with a friend or relative. You can keep each other company and offer moral support when one of you feels like giving up, which will happen!

But if you exercise together don’t follow the same fitness programme. If you really don’t want to be apart for an hour, you can work out next to each other or alternate on the same machines, but make sure that the programme you are using is the one that suits you.

It should include how often you train, how hard, and how long, and it should be changed every four to six weeks. If you don’t change things, you will hit a plateau, resulting in very little change for all the hard work you put in. This applies to weights, cardio-vascular and outdoor exercise.

If you’re looking to tone up in time for the holidays, try to exercise at least three times per week with a full body workout. Forget the two-hour workouts, short and sweet is the way forward. If you are there more than 60 minutes, you are definitely overdoing it!

Similarly, if you are exercising each day, change your exercises. Your body needs a rest so treat it with care. If you train seven days a week the results will not come any quicker. If you are not a member of a gym, take a brisk walk to the paper shop to buy The Journal.

By the time you get back home you will be warmed up and ready for some simple, yet effective exercises in the privacy of your own house.

So you have a week from now to blow your fit balls up. If you don't have one, you can pick them up from most big supermarkets or any sports shop. The sizes are different so make sure you get the correct one for your height.