A Guide To Ultimate Fitness

I'm in the best physical condition ever and it's attributed to one thing..... LOSING MY JOB#@x! This guide to ultimate fitness is based on having or making time to exercise 3-4 days per week. Commitment is the key. Let me give you some background info. I've always enjoyed exercising and staying fit. For the last twenty odd years, I've only been out of work for maybe a couple of weeks total. Today, I'm still jobless. This isn't a sob story, I'm loving every minute of having the opportunity to reinvent myself both physically and psychologically. Every day is a challenge to not only finding employment but, to also use the time productively. Working a full time job always presents obstacles to working out. But, I found that anyone, yes I said anyone, can find 20-30 minutes a day to devote to fitness.

Popping out of bed between 6:00 and 7:00 am, I go through my normal routine, you know coffee, have breakfast and get into the flow of the day. I use this time to prioritize my activities. If you organize and simplify your obligations properly your sure to find time to exercise. Believe me, finding employment can be a full-time job in itself. Looking at job boards online, blitzing out resumes all over the virtual universe, following up on prior applications and networking take a big chunk out of the day. But, I always schedule time for exercise. Granted, as I said previously, I love working out, but if you find an activity that your comfortable with and gets your endorphins flowing that's all you need. Whether it's strength training, yoga, running or walking, the method isn't important, it's taking action. JUST GET MOVING!!!!

Now, excuse me, I feel like pumping some iron. LOL

OK, I'm back. Life wouldn't be the same without exercise. Personally, it would lead to insanity. Time for a disclaimer: I'm not a certified personal trainer, this is just works for me. Please if there are any health issues involved, see your doctor before starting any fitness program. I venture to guess that if you do make exercise a routine, there's no better therapy to restore your zest for life and self esteem. The following is just an example of what gets me to where I want to be.

STRENGTH TRAINING

Use weights that challenge you to do 8-12 repetitions smoothly concentrating on form.

1. Warm-up (5 minutes)
2. Bench press (3 sets)
3. Squats (3 sets)
4. Rows ( lat machine) or with free weights (3 sets)
   
5. Dumbbell curls (3 sets)
6. back extensions (3 sets)
7. Light cardio (5 minutes, as a cool down)

I have the luxury of having a fantastic fitness center in my apartment community but, setting up a home gym is fairly simple and inexpensive. (see below). Or gym memberships are becoming more affordable in these economic times. Also seeing other people working up a sweat gives you motivation to do the same. You know are obsession with " keeping up with the Jones' ". It works!

POWER WALKING

Just get outside and hit the pavement or hiking trail. The pace should be brisk but, you should be able to carry on a normal conversation without strain. I like walking by myself because I enjoy the solitude. It helps to clear my mind and get creative. By all means, getting friends involved makes committing to exercising much easier.

Whatever your life situation, exercise has to become part of your normal routine. Once you establish a program that works, you'll kick yourself for not starting sooner. The health and wellness benefits integrate into other parts of our life. It's been proven that people who workout on a regular basis have better nutritional habits, sleep better, and are more active sexually. We would all love that! Remember, establishing any habit takes time. Set realistic goals, take baby steps, and move on at your comfort level. Believe me, once you get into it you'll have a hard time taking a day off.