 |
PHOTO: Personal Trainer
Carol Teteak, fitness
coordinator, Edward
Health & Fitness Center
at Seven Bridges |
Feeling out of shape and low on energy? Tackle your fitness goals with a new focus on your health and physical fitness.
Here are some tips to get you started from Personal Trainer Carol Teteak, fitness coordinator at Edward Health & Fitness Center at Seven Bridges:
1. Commit. No more diets; they're a temporary fix. Instead, make a commitment to a healthier way of life.
2. Get a check-up. See your Primary Care Physician before starting any new exercise program.
3. Cover the basics. If you're serious about improving overall health, fitness and stress management, all of the following areas are critical; two out of three won't do it:
- Eating right – portion control, well balanced meals, and proper fueling before and after workouts will help your body work more efficiently.
- Cardiovascular exercise – get your blood moving and your heart pumping with an aerobic workout.
- Strength training – build lean muscle by working your body against resistance. Use your own body weight or dumbbells or a machine. Also work on stability, mobility and flexibility.
4. Work for results. Put forth the effort and the results WILL come. Avoid injuries by starting slow, progressing steadily and pushing past your comfort zone when ready/able. If weight loss is a goal, aim for one to two pounds per week.
5. Stay motivated. Whether it's dancing or kick-boxing, find active pursuits that you enjoy. Check out local fitness centers and park districts that offer classes in those activities. Edward Health & Fitness Centers offer fee-based classes to non-members, as well as members. To keep you going, engage a buddy and build in rewards for achieving mini-goals.
6. Ask an expert. Not sure where to begin? Hire a personal trainer or see a registered dietitian. To find out more about fitness training at Edward Health & Fitness Centers call (630) 646-7920.
 Challenge yourself. Join our 6-week activity challenge. Starts May 6.
Participants will be competing against one another to log the most activity minutes during this online challenge. Form a team or participate on your own. Visit www.edward.org/healthchallenges for more information or to enroll.
|
