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Mar 31, 2013

Healthy Workout Tid-Bits

Smart habits are the foundation of every healthy lifestyle. Fitness doesn't happen overnight; it is the result of months of hard work and good choices. If you hope to achieve your fitness goals, you need to adopt habits that you can follow for the rest of your life.

Make Exercise a Habit

Exercise can help you lose weight and improve your overall physical health, but it takes time before you'll see the results of your hard work. No matter how good your workout is, it can't make you a healthier person instantly. If you make exercise a habit, however, you will gradually become healthier. Aim for at least four 30-minute workout sessions per week to start your physical fitness regimen. As your fitness improves, you can increase the duration of your sessions or add more workout sessions to your weekly regimen.

Choose Workouts You Enjoy

If you hate your workout, you're more likely to drop your exercise habit. You need to do activities that you enjoy if you hope to make fitness a habit. When you first begin planning your workouts, give yourself the chance to try a variety of activities, such as running, swimming or cycling. Once you find an activity that you enjoy, use that activity as the foundation of your training regimen.

Add Strength Training

Building your strength will increase your base metabolism and improve your overall health. Incorporate strength training into your weekly exercise regimen to help build your muscles. You don't need to spend hours turning yourself into a towering mass of muscles; even a few 20-minute sessions each week can have noticeable results.

Go Outside

Exercise gives you a good excuse to go outside and experience the natural beauty of your area. Outdoor exercise is especially attractive if you live someplace with yearlong sun and warm winter temperatures, such as California. If you live near mountains, you can make weekend hikes a regular part of your workout regimen. It's easier to keep yourself motivated for your workout when you're surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Exercise with Friends

Exercise doesn't have to be a solo experience. In fact, you may have better results if you turn your exercise sessions into a social activity. Go to the gym with your friends, or take a dance class with your spouse. You can also join an adult sports league if you enjoy team sports and competition.