Fitness Tips

Resistance Training
If you want to really fire up your metabolism, incorporate resistance training into your workout. You’ll burn more calories over a longer period of time, and you will gain strength without bulking up. If you don’t want to lift free-weights, you can use your gym’s pin-&-stack machines.

Water Intake
More than half of your body is made up of water. Staying hydrated is absolutely vital to your health, especially if you are doing physical activity. Try to drink 64-oz of water daily. You can do eight 8-oz. glasses throughout the day.

Mix It Up
The human body is remarkably adaptive. In as little as 2 weeks it can adapt to your routine, making it less effective and slowing results. To avoid hitting a plateau, change your workout every few weeks. Remember: Routine is the enemy.

Consult a Trainer
Nowadays, most fitness centers have a personal training staff that can provide you with guidance and help you achieve your fitness goals. Ask your local fitness center if they provide you 1 free session.

Don’t Skip Breakfast
There’s a reason they call it the most important meal of the day. Skipping your morning meal can really bog down your metabolism. Start off with good, balanced breakfast and you’ll notice you have more energy throughout the day and a slimmer waistline.

Get a Workout Partner
Working out with a friend will make exercise more fun and you’ll be less likely to skip workouts. Not only is it safer to work out with a buddy, you often get better workouts. This way you both can achieve better results!

Stretch at the End
Stretching is a good way to increase your mobility and reduce muscle soreness. The best time to stretch is at the very end of your workout. This will prevent injury because your muscles will be at their warmest at this time.

Get Plenty of Rest
Physical activity isn’t effective unless you get adequate sleep. Sleep is your body’s natural recovery process. Sleeping not only reduces stress, but it repairs you body. Adults should strive for 6-8 hours of undisturbed sleep every night.

Cut Back on Process Sugars
Highly processed, sugary foods like candy and cupcakes will flood your body with excess calories that ultimately get stored as body fat. If you have a sweet tooth, try satisfying your cravings with a piece of fruit.

Work Larger Muscle Groups
Your largest muscle groups burn the most calories. If you want to lose more body fat, your best bet is to focus your workouts around your legs, back, and chest. You’ll find that these muscle groups will have more impact on losing inches around your midsection.

Breathe!
It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised at how many forget to breathe. Some people have a tendency to hold their breath when the exercise gets challenging. Control your breathing and you’ll find that your workouts will be easier and more effective.