Maintaining a fitness lifestyle can be a daunting endeavor even for the most dedicated enthusiast. Adhering to a sound, healthy nutritional plan, keeping up with regular medical check-ups, and getting enough sleep are simply a beginning. Sticking to these basic habits along with meeting the demands of work and a social life can be overwhelming. So how do you squeeze in a regular exercise program including cardio-vascular training and weights on top of everything else? Try to make time for the things that are important to you, and there is nothing more vital than your own good health.

Working out with weights and doing regular cardio, if you do them correctly, are draining and time consuming, but the benefits are infinite. Just look in the mirror after a couple of weeks of working out and your self-esteem will soar as you see the results.

Following are some of the benefits of putting in adequate time, energy and sweat in the gym. Exercise lowers your resting pulse rate and helps keep your blood pressure under control. Working out increases lean muscle and the more of this you have the more calories and fat you burn all the time even while you’re sleeping. Doing regular cardio and hitting the weights lowers LDL levels (bad cholesterol) by increasing HDL levels (good cholesterol), thereby preventing heart disease and strokes. Light to moderate weight training not only produces pretty muscles, but also increases bone density and overall flexibility. Impressed? Well, the list goes on and on!

Design a winning strategy to get and stay healthy, fit and fabulous. Consider these three factors as you ponder a program: schedule flexibility, workout simplification, and diversification.

Schedule flexibility is crucial in times of unplanned events, chaotic traffic and even more chaotic work schedules. A sharp guy begins the day with a plan so that he can accomplish everything that is important. Nothing is more important than your workout, so schedule a time and try to stick with it. If you can, try to schedule your workout at a time when you are at your best, i.e., if you are a morning person, try exercising before you go to work.  Join a gym that is convenient, preferably located between work and home. A lot of busy guys make a standing date with a personal trainer to insure that they will get effective, challenging sessions. Most gyms have extended hours, so if you get derailed don’t get flustered. Your body responds to exercise whether it’s 7 a.m. or 7 p.m. Make it happen.

Workout simplification and diversification allow you to train regardless of what you had planned and where you had planned it. If you were set to hit the weight room at 6 p.m., but had to work late, then pump-up at home. A few weights are inexpensive, but they can make a big difference on days you don’t get to the gym. And if you’re too tired to lift, then do some push-ups, crunches and stretches. Take a bike ride around the neighborhood. Take a swim. Walk your dog. Do something, anything. Just put those muscles into motion, burn some calories and get your heart pumping. You’ll feel better, release stress and live longer. Exercise is addictive, the more you do it, the better you’ll feel and the more you’ll want to indulge yourself.

Of all the investments you’ll make, a commitment to regular exercise will reap the greatest benefits. It’s spring, a time for new beginnings. Put down that phone, get off that lounge chair or bar stool, toss away the drink and schedule regular time at the gym. Life is too short to miss out on being all that you can be. For more inspiration on how to get the most out of your workouts contact trainertomb@aol.com.  I’d love to hear your comments and answer your questions.

TOM BONANTI IS A CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER AND
OWNER OF PUMP’N INC GYM AT 1271 NE 9TH AVENUE
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33304, www.pumpnincgym.com.