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There is no question about the benefits of being fit.  Fitness improves your health, gives you more energy, enhances your appearance, and builds self-confidence.  So why aren’t more people fit?  Why do people struggle to stay in shape?  In this article we will discuss some techniques that will help you stay fit.  By following these simple rules you will avoid the common problems that people face when trying to stay in shape.

It has to be Fun

If exercising is boring and you struggle to get motivated to workout you will have difficulty staying in shape.  In order to make exercising fun you should try to find the types of exercises that you enjoy.  Most people have some favorite sport that they like, and this could be your core exercise that you practice on a regular basis.  If you like tennis, make the time to play tennis often, maybe 2-3 times a week.  If you prefer swimming, go swimming as often as you can.  You should not have any trouble being motivated to do your core exercise because this should be something that you love and  look forward to doing every time.

Around your core exercise you can build other exercise routines that enhance you fitness.  A good example is adding some resistance training to your exercise portfolio.  Try doing 30 minutes of weight training 2-3 times a week and your game and fitness level will improve significantly.

“Do something that you like.  You have to find something that you like, otherwise you won’t continue.

Judi Sheppard Missett, Founder of Jazzercise

Mix it Up a Bit

Another key to staying fit and avoiding hitting a plateau is mixing you exercises.  Avoid going to the gym and doing the same old routine every time.  If you do that, your body will adapt and you will no longer gain the same benefits that you gained initially.  In order to prevent this problem, try different types of exercises and work different muscle groups each time you go to the gym.  For example, don’t run on a treadmill every time for your cardio exercise.  Work on the treadmill one day, switch to the bike the next day, and then try the cross-trainer.  If you are tired of going to the gym, try running outside, or go for a bike ride in the park.  The important thing is to mix it up so that you are never bored and you body does not adapt.

Do Both Cardio and Strength Training

Cardiovascular exercises are excellent for burning fat, losing weight and keeping a healthy heart.  But if you really want to be in shape you need to tone your muscles, and this requires strength exercise, also known as resistance or weight training.   Weight training will not only tone your muscles, it will also increase your metabolism and help you lose weight.  Many people are afraid of working with weights because they think they will look big or even gain weight.  While it is true that weight training will increase your muscle mass which weighs more than fat, weight training when done in the right amounts will not make you look bulky.   Instead it will enhance your figure and improve your appearance.

“If I had to give you one word, one little secret to successful weight loss and healthy living, it would be this: muscle… Muscle is about preventing disease.  It is about coordination, balance, agility, and staying active.”

Kathy Smith, Fitness Expert

Exercising is Not Enough

Exercising is critical to staying fit.  However, exercising by itself is not enough.  You must also watch what you eat.  Avoid fast foods, fats, and simple carbohydrates such as sugar and white flower.  Instead, eat fruits and vegetables, lean meats and whole grains.  Eating right does not have to be rocket science.  Just avoid the wrong kinds of foods and watch your portions.  Three meals and two snacks a day should be sufficient to control your hunger and  keep your body functioning at an optimum level.

If you are out of shape and want to get fit, avoid the fad diets, and take your time to get back in shape.  One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to try to do it too fast.  Getting fit takes time and will require a little patience, but once you start seeing results you will be excited about your achievement.  If you were in relatively good shape but have started to lose momentum and your clothes are not longer fitting you they way they used to, remember that staying in shape is a lot easier than getting in shape.  Make a little extra effort to get back to the fitness level that you desire and follow the advice in this article to continue to stay fit.

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