Welcome to R.E.A.L. Fitness

The prospect of starting a fitness program can be a little overwhelming, but if you break it down into small steps it can be easier to face.  Here are a few fitness facts and tips to getting yourself back in shape

Fitness Tips

Make exercise fun!

Take a walk - if you have a dog take him along.  He'll love you for it.

Dust off your bike and go for a ride.

Play tennis, or another sport with your children or friends.

Walk the golf course instead of renting a cart.

Walk to lunch with a friend instead of driving.

Find practical ways to exercise

Mow the lawn instead of paying someone to do it.

Work in the garden.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Park farther away at the supermarket or mall (side benefit - this reduces the likelihood of door dings).

What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a quick check of whether your weight is appropriate for your height.  While there are exceptions (usually people with very low body fat), generally speaking, a BMI higher than 25 will increase your risk of obesity-related health problems.

Check Your BMI Here

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Fitness Facts

Losing weight involves moving more and eating less - there is no magic pill that can do the work for you.

For purposes of general fitness, three ten minute sessions of exercise are just as effective as thirty consecutive minutes.  Try to exercise for thirty to sixty minutes total every day.

There really isn't a "fat burning zone,"  and there is no additional benefit to working longer at lower intensity.  To lose weight the law of thermodynamics applies - you have to burn more calories than you consume. 

Building muscle will increase your metabolic efficiency and help you burn calories - this is why resistance training is an important part of any fitness program.

Your "core" is made up of twenty-nine muscles.  In order to effectively stabilize and strengthen your core, you must exercise all of them - not just the primary movers targeted by crunches, twists and back extensions.

Your body will adapt to any demand you place on it within four to six weeks.  This also also known as the dreaded "plateau."  In order to combat this and continue to make progress, you should incorporate a wide variety of exercises and activities into your fitness program.

To lose weight effectively eat more often, but eat less at every meal.  Do not stop eating!  If you stop eating, or eat less often, your body will compensate by storing fat.

Drink lots of water, and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.  Fruits and vegetables contain fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full. 

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