Here are some helpful fitness tips to help you achieve your goals.
We will be adding new fitness tips frequently, so check back often.
Just Cool It!
Cooling down should be part of every workout routine. A cool down helps your body recover from the stress of exercise and helps the circulatory system return to a resting state. Not cooling down can lead to dizziness and fainting... not a good idea with sharp metal objects typically found in gyms.
A typical cool down can be light aerobic exercise at a slow rate or stretching.
Stretching the Truth
Stretching is highly recommended either before or after your workout but can really be done at any time. Corrective stretching is done before exercise but after a warm-up to lengthen chronically short muscles and help your body remain aligned properly. Relaxation stretching is done after exercise to lengthen muscles and help them return to their pre-workout length. Both types are good, should be regularly, should only be done when muscles are warm and should feel comfortable and painless.
Sick = Rest!
Many exercise fanatics find it difficult to take a break... even when sick. Exercise puts a temporary stress on the body and immune system, which may prolong your illness. It may be OK to work out when sick (depending on the severity) but a day or two of rest is usually just what the doctor ordered. A short break won't have a negative affect on your overall goals.
Workout because...
Work out because you want to and not because your doctor, spouse, significant other, peers, etc. told you to. You'll never make it if you are just doing it because someone said you should exercise. You'll make it when you want to do it because you deserve it and it feels good and it’s something you want to do for you!
Achieving your Goals!
Set goals that can be measured and specific to you. Goals like "weight loss or muscle gain" are usually too general. Be more specific like: reaching a certain dress size, losing 20 pounds, curling 40 pounds, etc. If your goals are large... break them up into smaller pieces (i.e. losing 5 pounds in 1 month, 10 pounds in 2 months).
Slow and Steady Wins!
When it comes to weight training and fitness, slow and steady wins the race! When your body is ready, increase the intensity of your workout in small amounts, this will provide the challenge necessary for improvements without causing injury. Too much too soon can over stress the body, limit your progress and increase your risk of injury.
One Pill Makes You Larger, One Pill Makes You Smaller
Popping a pill to reach your health and fitness goals is not the answer! While dietary supplementation can help you achieve your goals there is no substitution for hard work and dedication. Supplementation is designed to supplement your healthy eating and exercise habits. Without addressing all the areas of fitness results are normally minimal with short-term effects.
One minute workout! Ya right!
Always be suspicious of celebrity endorsements of home equipment that promises a total body workout in minutes a day; fat burning diet pills; and last, but not least, exercise fad/gimmick infomercials.
Drink before you're thirsty
You can lose up to 3 percent of your body weight before you feel thirsty says an Associated Press report. As a result, some people go through the summer in a continuous state of dehydration. They believe they've lost weight, when in reality, their fluid levels are low. Thirst is a poor guide to how much water you need: drink only when you're thirsty and you may "underdrink" by 30 percent.
Eat your veggies
Eating the recommended five or more servings of vegetables and fruits each day could, by itself, reduce cancer rates by more than 20 percent, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research.
Fitness and Travel
That vacation you've been planning or the business trip you can’t get out of can sometimes have a negative effect on diet and your fitness routine. In fact, sometimes it takes several days or a week to get back into the normal routine and feel like your self again. Although you're away from home and it's more difficult to follow your normal routine, you still shouldn't go all out and blow all the progress you've made. Try to get a little exercise everyday and limit the high fat and high calorie foods.
Future Physique Westlake was established in 1995 by Carolyn Preston, as an alternative to large, overcrowded gyms. Future Physique Westlake is a full service facility, located in the heart of Westlake Village, California specializing in personal training within a professional, yet comfortable atmosphere. All ages and levels of ability are catered to including corporate fitness and group needs.
Call us now for information on starting your successful path to a healthly lifestyle.
Phone: (818) 597-2639
We are located just minutes from Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills, San Fernando Valley, Ventura and Calabasas.
Future Physique Westlake
31194 La Baya Dr., Suite 105
Westlake Village, California 91362
