We all know that exercise is good for us and most of us would agree that we should do more but sometimes it is difficult to fit it in our weekly schedule. Exercise often falls into the category of What I could do if I could find the time.
Many of us have even started early morning jogging, a weekend or daily walk or maybe a weekly trip to the swimming pool only to find that after a week or two our determination, like our planned exercise, falls prey to restrictions on our time or just gets shunted down the list of priorities. It is not always easy to keep focused when you are doing it alone.
One way to avoid this is by meeting up with a friend for a weekly swimming session or joining an exercise class or football team. You could take up golf with your partner or join a squash or badminton club. Dance classes and stretching are gentle ways to tone and strengthen your body too.
Find out what is going on in your area and think about what you would like to do. If you do not enjoy what you are doing then it will more likely to be just a one month wonder that will get forgotten with time. Local libraries often have a list of classes and clubs in the area and schools often host some sports classes so make a few phone calls and find out what is available locally.
Perhaps you have been putting off exercising for years?, if this is the case then you might find the huge variety of exercise and sports facilities available a little bewildering. In the last fifteen years or so there has been an enormous increase in sports and fitness amenities and the days of having to choose between swimming, golf or tennis are long gone.
Many gyms have opened up and have proved popular with people who like exercising alone but in an organised, scheduled setting. Gyms and Fitness Clubs have worked hard on their image, facilities and general presentation to help people understand that they are open to clients of all ages and all levels of fitness. Whereas before they were often seen as more of a masculine domain now there is a high percentage of women that go there too.
Many would say that Fitness Clubs and Gyms cost a lot of money for something you can do for free but strangely enough just the fact of having to pay makes people see it as more important and they are less likely to let it slide. Also the range of expensive equipment and trained helpful staff available at the gyms and fitness clubs are considered well worth the investment by many.
If you are looking for something that tones up your muscles without building up a sweat then maybe Pilates is the answer for you. Originally designed for classical dancers Pilates is a series of exercises that tone and strengthen the bodies core muscles and improve flexibility whilst practising correct breathing techniques.
They can either be done using a special exercise machine called a Reformer but are more often performed using floor mats. Suitable for beginners or for those who already do regular exercise Pilates classes are available at most Fitness Centres.
Another popular form of fitness training is Yoga, again generally available at Fitness Clubs. Ashtanga Yoga is a form of training that combines stretching, meditative breathing and strength training.
Similar to Pilates it works on general muscle fitness, strength and tone and can actually help if you have muscle problems. Power Yoga takes this one step further and uses callisthenics and a faster paced programme to increase the muscle building aspect.
The use of machines that emulate sports activities has become more popular over the years and Exercise Equipment Rooms are now an integral part of all Fitness Clubs and are a common feature even of many hotels around the world. The most common exercise machines are the Cross-Country Ski Machines, Elliptical Trainers, Stair Climbers, Stationary Bikes and Treadmills.
A Cross-Country Ski Machine takes a little time to get used to unless you have practised cross country skiing. If used for half an hour, several times a week then it will tone your muscles, strengthen your heart and boost your lung capacity.
Elliptical Trainers are considered by many as the best type of exercise machine available. The exercise is similar to running or jogging but gentler and without the jarring effect on joints. Elliptical trainers are actually recommended for those who, due to arthritis for example, cannot normally run.
Stair climbers are great for working on your calves and thighs but can be boring and tough on knees and ankles. Also some stair climbers can be a little difficult to get used to.
Stationary Bikes are generally considered some of the easiest machines to use and provide great exercise for the lower body. They are generally recommended to beginners for toning and strengthening all leg muscles.
Treadmills, similar to stair climbers, can be boring after a while. Exercising on a treadmill is basically walking, jogging or running on a moving belt. The speed is up to you and they are really easy to use which may explain their popularity. Using a treadmill, like an Elliptical Trainer, provides the beneficial aspects of running or jogging without the jarring effect on the joints.
As these exercise machines exercise only the lower parts of the body many people combine machine use with weight training. Again, once considered more of a masculine discipline more and more women are starting to realise that weight training does not automatically turn you into a female version of Mr Universe. Weight Training is a very versatile and, surprisingly enough, a gentle, gradual form of exercise that can be easily adapted to concentrate on the parts of your body that need firming, trimming or strengthening.
Exercise is a personal decision and should be considered carefully. What is recommended for one person is not always the best option for someone else so it is always advisable to consult a doctor or qualified physical exercise specialist before starting any form of regular exercise. Be assured though, when you find the perfect type of exercise or workout for you then you will feel better, look healthier and have more confidence in yourself, maybe even have some fun and make some friends too!
