's MOTD Thurs Feb 21, 2008

[Guest guest]

WHAT'S YOUR SWEATIN' HURRY?

Thursday, 21 February 2008

In a recent message, I addressed the fact that many people who're trying to lose weight are in such a hurry to lose it. Oh no, they're not satisfied with losing a pound or a pound-and-a-half a week. Are you kidding? That's w-a-a-a-y too slow for them!

So what do they do? Well, they skip meals, they starve themselves or take some wacky pills to help them shed pounds faster. And I've told you, people who try to lose weight this way not only get sick but gain back any of the weight they've lost...fast!We know that trying to lose weight in a hurry is wrong for your body. But today, I want to talk about another form of hurriedness. That being how so many people are in such a hurry to get fit. I mean, they just get up one morning, after not exercising for six months, a year or even longer and suddenly decide they are going to be in shape, all toned and cut. And with that fired-up determination, they go to the gym to lift weights. Or they go take an advanced cardio class or try to break out with a five-mile power-walk on their very first try.And what happens to these people who try to work out like Olympic champions on their first workout attempts in months? Well, many of them get sick, hurt their backs, legs or knees or get so out of breath, end up feeling like they're on the verge of a heart attack! And the next day, these same individuals are so sore they don't ever want to think about trying to work out again. And sadly, many of them don't!So tell me, what's the hurry about getting your body into better shape? You can't start off the first day all gung-ho, like you're Rambo...no! You've got to start off slowly and safely.You can't lift heavy weights, do 500 leg-lifts or walk five miles on your very first day. On that first day, you should be learning how to lift the weights. That means lifting the lightest weight possible or even lifting with no weights at all on those first attempts. See, you have to learn how to do a biceps-curl, a chest-press or a lats-pull, the right way. Using the resistance of your own muscles, before doing those moves with actual weights, teaches you the right way to do all of those moves before adding the weights to your workout.And if you're going to start off by taking a cardio class, check to see if the gym you're going to has a beginner's class. If they don't, you should modify your movements and make them smaller as you begin your new aerobics regime. If you get short-winded, you should lower your hands and simply walk in place until you catch your breath. And if you choose to make walking part of your new exercise routine, start out with a 15 minute walk or even only 10 minutes, the first few times out. (If that's all you can do.) Then build from there by adding a few minutes to your walk each day over time.Starting any of these new exercises for your body, take "baby sweatin' steps" first and, slowly but surely, you'll be lifting heavier weights, doing more intense cardio workouts or able to walk those whole five miles on your new walking program. When you start your workouts the slow and safe way, building from there, your body will become more fit and resilient!So which exercise will you do today? If you're one of the people I've talked about today, please take my advice. Start out slowly and treat your body to some good-old...proper physical education.Hey, what's your sweatin' hurry?Love,