Back to the Basics

At the end of the day a few simple fundamentals add up to much better fitness! Simple, yet very effective exercises often lead to spectacular results. Exercises many of learned in middle school and high school can help us stay healthy and enjoy better fitness long after the last school bell!

Jogging helps more people stay healthy than many of us might imagine. Walking does wonders for countless millions. Brisk walking. If you can jog - you can enjoy much improved fitness doing just 20 miles a week! If you enjoy walking more - try for 40 miles a week. You'll feel better and enjoy far less stress.

Once you get comfortable walking or jogging four or five times a week - pick up your pace for a few minutes early in your run. ( Or walk as fast as you can for a couple minutes about five minutes into your walk. ) Then back off your pace to a more comfortable level for a few minutes. Once every four or five minutes pick up your pace. Go as fast as you can for a minute or even two! Then, return to your comfort zone. You'll feel a difference and see incredible results in your fitness level!

If you're like me and don't really enjoy walking in sub-zero or single digit temperatures - go to the mall early and walk before the crowds start pouring in. Or you might enjoy having your own treadmill or elliptical in that spare room. One lady I work with hits the stairs every day at 5:00 PM. ( Our building only has three floors! ) She really gets to huffing as she climbs those stairs for the umpteenth time each evening! And she weighs about 105 pounds!

Push ups are older than dirt. And they still do wonders for countless millions of healthy fitness lovers. They are great for your upper body and your core. Push ups just plain work. Do three sets of 12 or more if you can.

Squats are another effective exercise anyone can do without ever stepping foot in a fancy health club. Again, shoot for three sets of 12 - 15.

Pull ups are a great addition to any workout and don't require an expensive club membership either. If you've been inactive for a long time or haven't ever done any strength training, don't be disappointed if you struggle with pull ups. Wait until you've built up your strength. Keep doing push ups!

Do you have a jump rope? Jumping rope is a great way to get a super cardio workout. And how much is a jump rope? Maybe five or ten bucks for a decent one? Toss it in your backpack and get a few minutes in whenever you can. If you start getting too winded or stressed - do some simple squats or walk in place ( bring those knees up high! ) for a few minutes and then get back to jumping rope!

And no high-school gym class would be complete without the time-honored crunch! Just be sure to let your abs do the work! If you put your hands behind your head - never pull your head up with your hands. Three sets of 12 or 15 crunches will help you tighten those abs and bring back memories of simpler high school days!

Going to the Gym or that fancy health club is great if you enjoy working out with others and meeting fellow fitness buffs! ( And don't mind shelling out $75 a month or more in some clubs. ) Working out with friends is always more fun and helps you endure those last few minutes when the going gets tough!

Keep it fun. Get plenty of rest. Your body needs a day off once or twice a week. And if you want to lose weight or get rid of that belly - the quickest way to lose weight and keep it off requires two very basic habits. Start eating healthy foods every day and getting at least thirty minutes of exercise five days a week. You'll be on the way to a tighter tummy, sexier abs, and leaner body in no time!