Be Fit and Healthy

Regular exercise benefits your health. You will sleep better, wake more refreshed, feel more alert, and be able to concentrate much longer. Exercising regularly will help you control your weight and help you build up your stamina- your staying power and endurance- which will in turn improve your physical and mental capacity for everyday activities . Regular and strenuous physical activity can help prevent and alleviate minor depression. There is evidence that regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking briskly, can help delay the process of bone thinning (Osteoporosis), a disorder common in postmenopausal women.

YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE

Three 20-minute sessions a week at regular intervals will put you on the road to fitness and well-being. Choose a moderate level of activity; you should never exert yourself to the point where you feel dizzy or faint. It is important to find an activity that you enjoy, or you may lack the motivation to continue your exercise routine over a period of time.

SENSIBLE PRECAUTIONS

If you are thinking of starting a new sport or other form of exercise training, and if you are not accustomed to regular exercise, remember the following points:

• Do not be overambitious at first in the goals you set for yourself; it is safer to try to increase your level of fitness gradually.
• Make sure that your clothing and equipment are suitable.
• Always do some warm-up exercises before each session, to reduce the likelihood of Sprains and Strains.
• If any exercise or movement becomes painful, stop at once. Pain is a sign of damage.

WARNING!!

Consult your Doctor before starting any exercise activity for the first time if you are in any of the following categories:

•  If you are over 60 years of age, or if you are over 40 and have not exercised regularly since reaching adulthood.
• If you are heavy smoker (i.e., you smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day)
• If you are overweight 
• If you are under a doctor's care for a long-term health problem, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease.
• If you are pregnant.