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Real Fitness for Real Results

Real Results
Here are some tips to help you get fitter, healthier and feeling great.

Starting Out
 
  • Talk to your doctor first. If you have a chronic health problem, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure, your doctor will tell you what sort of exercise you should get.
  • If you are an adult, you need at least 30 minutes of moderate to intensive activity almost every day of the week. Kids need a whole hour.
  • This does not mean that you have to workout at the gym all the time. Try to divide your thirty minutes into workouts and daily activities. Spend some time running, playing cricket or working out at the gym. The rest can be spent in daily physical activity, such as housework. Just make sure you are working hard enough to speed up your heartbeat and breathe harder even when you stop.
  • If you are not already physically active, then start slowly and work up to 30 minutes a day. If 30 minutes of sustained activity is hard, break it up into 15 minute chunks. The important thing is to keep moving for at least 10 minutes at a time.
  • Wear comfortable and appropriate shoes and clothes. No matter what the movies say, high heels and sari are not suitable for a run in the park.

Keep Going

  • Set goals. Tell yourself you will do aerobics for ten minutes straight by next Tuesday and when you manage it, celebrate!
  • Track your progress. Write down when and how long you worked out and how you felt during it. As time passes, you will be amazed at your growing stamina and strength.
  • Do not let yourself get bored. Have a whole range of physical activities that keep your interest alive and every part of your body gets its workout.
  • Wear comfortable and appropriate shoes and clothes.
Take Care

  • Listen to your body. Stop exercising and see your doctor if you feel chest pain, dizziness, severe headaches or other unusual symptoms. If the pain continues, get medical help immediately. If you are very tired or ill, take time off from your exercise routine.
  • Eat well and stick to a balanced diet. What you put in your body is crucial to your health, weight, fitness and feeling of wellness. Learn more about healthy nutrition in our Nutrition & Diet section.
  • Do not go alone. Get your friends and family to join you. Play sports with your children, go walking in a group, or put on an aerobics video together. It is good for them and good for you!