Fitness Goals, Not Fads

It’s no mystery that about half of all Americans 18 and over, do not get the recommended physical activity. And it also shouldn’t come as a surprise that with the New Year, many people have set resolutions to get more fit, more active, or to start a new trendy diet.
While it is always great to start the New Year off on the right foot, be careful not to fall into the trap of fads or trends, or to jump head first into a new diet or exercise regimen and not be able to sustain it.

Instead, take things slowly and carve out short periods of time, multiples times a week, for physical activity.

According to America’s Family Physicians, there are many benefits to regular exercise, including:

Reduces your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, and obesity
Keeps joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible, which makes it easier to move around
Reduces some effects of aging, especially the discomfort of osteoarthritis
Contributes to mental well-being
Helps relieve depression, stress, and anxiety
Increases your energy and endurance
Helps you sleep better
Helps you maintain a normal weight by increasing your metabolism (the rate you burn calories)