Getting Started With Fitness
By Joel Peterson – Level 5 Personal Trainer at Apple Athletic Club
I think all of us want to be healthy and age gracefully. You may have noticed that healthy people always seem to have a certain “glow” about them. They are usually active, happy, and seem to attract other people who simply want to be around them. So what’s our problem? Why aren’t we one of those people?
As one who has traveled from unhealthy to healthy, I know words cannot express the difference in the quality of life when one is healthy. Why not start today on that journey? I’ll help you along.
As we get started along the journey to health, one of the problems you will encounter is “too many voices” and not enough real direction. I have nothing to sell you or profit from other than my passion to be instrumental in developing a “health culture” and the wonderful changes it will bring to your life.
Many of us get very confused with all the different “diets” and “exercise plans.” In fact, we often give up before we even try. With my plan, I’m going to keep things simple because I know from first-hand experience that life-style changes come a step at a time. A small change here, a small change there can make a huge difference in our lives as they become a part of us one step at a time.
Who can start a new eating plan that eliminates about everything you love and promotes food you hate (at least for now)? I didn’t. I couldn’t. And realistically, I doubt you can either.
How about an exercise program that tells you to work out six days a week for 90 minutes until you drop? It may happen for a week or two, but failure is built right into it. I’m not going to say that exercising is always going to be fun, but it should never be dreaded.
Here is another big question: What do I do? How do I get the “biggest bang for my buck?” Should I do this or should I do that? As a Personal Trainer for over twenty-five years I have designed sensible, workable and effective exercise programs for all ages and stations in life. I study “nutrition” which focuses on eating well as opposed to “diet” of which focuses is completely different. I still study every day on how to achieve radiant health with nutrition and exercise. If I don’t recommend a supplement, it’s because I don’t believe in its benefit. If I do recommend one it is because I have studied it thoroughly and am convinced of its benefits.
One last note. You need to know why you’re doing something, or eating something before it will ever become a life habit. If I tell you “eat broccoli three times a week” you probably won’t. However, if I educate you on why I may suggest a specific food, (for good health – cancer prevention etc.) you will be more likely to eat it. I will always give you a reason for what I’m asking you to do.
In our weekly “HEALTHY LIVING” post on Dr. Ward’s website and Facebook page, we are going to cover a lot of topics related to your health and well-being. We will give you healthy, tasty recipes and work out plans. But it’s really up to you. Nothing happens until you take responsibility for your own health. It’s a great journey. Are you ready? If so, let’s get healthy together!