Thick Today Is Fat Tomorrow

As we twentysomethings get further along in our twenties, we may start to notice ourselves gaining weight. It sucks, because at one time you could eat whatever you wanted and now it's like someone shut off your metabolism. But did you know that by not exercising to lose those extra pounds you are actually setting yourself up for heart disease, colon cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis? I just learned that these are all lifestyle diseases and can be eliminated even prevented by exercising and maintaining a healthy diet. Who knew?

To be quite honest, I am not one for exercising, in fact I hate it, but after speaking with Bette Vargas, personal trainer/lifestyles consultant and owner of http://www.fitnesscentralinc.net, I think I've changed my mind. Read on to find out why I hope you will change your mind too.

Because women are meant for childbearing we tend to gain weight in our hips and buttocks. But as we get older that fat rises to our abdominal area. Yuck. For men, it just goes directly to their abdominal area, no detours. With all that weight hanging around your heart you are increasing your chances of getting heart disease. And since osteoporosis starts in our twenties, for women and men, if you are not doing any exercise you may find yourself to be a grouchy old person with a humpback in a couple of years. I don't want that for you.

There are numerous benefits to exercising such as: better quality of life; longer life span; more energy; feeling good knowing that you are doing something that you set your mind to; and most importantly, you will build up your self-esteem and self-confidence.

If you want to get the full benefits of exercising you'll need to combine both cardiovascular and weight training in your fitness program. I know that most women stay away from weights because they think they will get all big and bulky, but Vargas stressed that this is a huge misconception. "Women don't have enough testosterone to do that. In fact, weight training will give you that hourglass figure and helps you keep it," states Vargas. "Muscles take up less space in the body and when you build muscle you will be able to burn calories just by sitting down." Vargas suggests you do aerobic activity to burn fat and lower your heart rate, and do weight training to build muscles and strengthen your bones. But don't slack off on stretching before and after working out, it will give you flexibility and elongate your muscles.

And just so you know, the first place you gained it is the last place you'll lose it. So, it's best that when you see the pounds creeping on, you begin an exercise program.

How to begin

"Slowly," advises Vargas. "One way to start an exercise program is to make the commitment for you and nobody else." So why not do something you like to do and will be able to do consistently? It can be as simple as going for a walk on your lunch break. Ask a co-worker to go with you. But if you happen to walk by yourself, leave the cassette and CD player behind. I know you want something to help pass the time but it will prevent you from being aware of your surroundings.

Just find a time to exercise and do it consistently. Scheduling your workout after the workday when you know full and well you have other obligations is not a good idea. Put it in your planner. "There are 24 hours in a day. You don't deserve one?" asks Vargas. What a guilt trip.

When deciding how much and when you should exercise, Vargas suggests you begin working out 3-5 days a week for 30 minutes. If you start off slow, you will more than likely stick to your exercise schedule than if you began working out six days a week right off the bat. And if you happen to be overweight, start doing 15 minutes of exercise if you can't do 30 minutes and add 5 to 10 minutes every time you exercise.

If you don't have the money to join a gym, go to your local Parks and Recreation Center. The membership fee there will be drastically cheaper then any commercial fitness center. Just because you happen to be paying more doesn't necessarily mean you are getting better service. You are just paying for the ambiance.

What to wear when exercising

When you are exercising in warm climate, it is always best not to wear a sweat suit. That doesn't mean that you need to come out wearing a midriff and some poom poom shorts either. That rule is for both men and women. For footwear, don't get leather sneakers. They are useless because they don't let your feet breathe. You also need to choose a sneaker that has a wide toe box. A toe box prevents your toes from rubbing together. But when in doubt, go to a sneaker specialty store and ask the staff for help.

Now that you have been armed with the knowledge, go out there and start exercising! But always make sure to consult with your doctor before you begin any exercise program.

ChaChanna Simpson is the publisher and editor of Twentity.com, the free ezine for twentysomethings, featuring cheap and free events every Wednesday. Subscribe today at http://www.twentity.com

---

Exercising In Heat

Summer is officially here. Finally you can pack away your... Read More

Easy and Effective Home Workouts

Many people think that creating a home workout gym is... Read More

Speed Training With Intensity - Bound To Get Faster

Bounding can be a great addition to your high intensity... Read More

Exercise ? More is NOT Better!

Years ago when I was a professional bodybuilder, I fell... Read More

Fitness Focus: Overcoming Obstacles

If you're like me, the quest to be in shape,... Read More

Do You Want To Be A Bodybuilding Champion ? The Power Behind The PEN!

IT ALL STARTED ON A TYPICAL NOVEMBER MORNING back in... Read More

Stay Mentally Focused When Training

When you decide to exercise, try to really stick to... Read More

6 Things A Norwegian Fable Teaches Us About Healthy Perseverance Part 1

Author, H. Besser, in his book, "Perseverance: How To Develop... Read More

The Importance of The Fibonacci Numbers in Fitness Training

"Things do not change; we change." ?Henry David ThoreauThe following... Read More

The Abs... More Important Than You Think

What comes to your mind when I say the word... Read More

Sports Specific Exercise

The Greek physician Galen (AD 129 ? 210) is generally... Read More

Strength Training After Fifty

Strength training after fifty is no longer for those people... Read More

Exercising - Ways of staying motivated!

The number one reason people say they do not exercise... Read More

Diet and Exercise ? Without Going to the Gym

Exercising and dieting are tasks that are very difficult for... Read More

Overcoming Resistance to Exercise

Are You Destined to Sit on the Couch?If someone mentions... Read More

Banish Your Lower Back Pain Permanently Without Drugs or Surgery

It is estimated that about 80 percent of the population... Read More

Exercise Tips: Move Your Body - Boost Your Productivity

Do you find yourself setting a New Year's Resolution (every... Read More

The Benefit of Back Exercises

Back exercises are often prescribed effectively as an alternative to... Read More

When Exercising Right Looks Wrong III (Back)

Hopefully, if you read my last article I got you... Read More

Finding The Right Exercise Intensity

We've all heard the exercise guidelines that recommend we participate... Read More

Best Abdominal Exercises to Get the Sexy Six Pack You Deserve

The key to getting those sexy abdominals lies mainly on... Read More

Weight Loss and Fitness - Facts not Fiction

The world of weight loss and fitness is certainly vast,... Read More

Current Recommendations are 30-60 Minutes of Exercise, Everyday?

This is the latest advice to the public and many... Read More

Complete Physical Transformation Using The Purposefully Primitive Fitness Methodology

The Purposeful Primitive approach to the art and science of... Read More

5 Ways to Fit Fitness In

Five points to consider when you want to fit fitness... Read More

The Different Types of Treadmills

When we usually think of treadmills, we tend to think... Read More

Are You A One-Dimensional Trainer?

Most people are classically biased toward one of the three... Read More

The Truth About Exercise and Why Its Not Always Good for You!

Exercise is often regarded as a panacea for many things..."if... Read More

6 Things A Norwegian Fable Teaches Us About Healthy Perseverance Part 2

4. Ideas, goals and dreams have a shelf life. The... Read More

An Introduction to Tennis

Is tennis good for you?Absolutely - tennis is a gentle... Read More

Try Different Forms of Exercise for Success

If you have always used free weights, then switch it... Read More

Exercise: Why YOU Should Do It

Hundreds of Thousands of Americans spend millions of dollars each... Read More

Debunking the Myth of Spot Reduction

Do you ever wonder how to shrink the fat on... Read More