by David Garred,
Club Manager Dusit Resort Sports Club.
The New Year is upon us and at the moment, unfortunately a lot of us are
feeling a little guilty for the amount of indulgence we allowed ourselves
over Christmas.
This may or may not be a bad thing. It is detrimental to the extent that
guilt is a negative feeling and on that basis does nobody any good.
However, it can be turned into something extremely positive, a lifestyle
change that in the long term can and will improve your overall qualities.
The largest change that you are already aware of is the many physical and
physiological benefits of exercise. If you aren’t then here is a quick
reminder: reduced risk of heart disease, lower blood cholesterol levels,
increased bone strength and density, reduced blood pressure, improved heart
and lung capacity, reduced stress levels and increased self confidence to
name literally just a few. Often when people think of exercise they think of
hour upon hour of self torture in a gym, then more time running outside,
then abdominal work and possibly swimming is all required to make any
difference. Well I am here to tell you that simply is not the case.
If you remember the article from last week, exercise can start very simply
with walking 3 times per week for 20 minutes per time. That is the
prescribed minimum for any change to the body.
You can notice a difference in your general health and fitness after so
short a time as 2 weeks. If your training is consistent, then you should
notice a change in the aesthetics of your body (the way it looks) within
three months. Yes, it is a long time, but regular exercise does become
habitual — this is good news for the current non-exerciser, for you only
need to get out and do it a few times before you actually start to look
forward to it. While on that subject, pick an activity that interests you,
one that uses the large muscles of the body for quickest results and more
efficient time use.
Activities such as; cycling, swimming or walking are the easiest and
cheapest to get into.
Once you make a start with something you like and start to feel the
benefits, then maybe try to diversify your training into some sports or any
fitness related activities. Remember to get some sound advice from a
professional before commencing any activity so you don’t accidentally injure
yourself early on. If that is the case then you may give it away again - why
ruin such a positive thing when good advice is really accessible?
Then add some strength training and stretching for 5 - 10 minutes and you
have a well balanced programme for the start of a healthy lifestyle. The
question now is when to start?
I think you know the answer. Seize the day.
Make this your best year yet, Happy New Year.
