Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Four Important Elements of a Fitness and Health Program

Whether your goal is Fat Loss, to become Lean, Toned and Strong, or to gain Size and Strength, there are 4 elements that play an important role for you to succeed in reaching your goals. Weight Training, Aerobic Exercise, Diet & Nutrition and Supplements.

Weight Training
Weight training is the most important trait of weight loss and muscle gain. Did you know that one pound of muscle mass added to your body can burn up to 50 extra calories each and everyday? Lifting weights will burn away the fat during your workout and will continue to do so after you have stopped exercising for the day. The stronger you become the quicker those fat reserves will go away. A good daily stretching program helps to keep the body lean, the muscles limber and you off the injury shelf.

Cardio Exercise
Cardio exercise programs are the primary means of maintaining your heart health and helping you to lose unwanted fat. Whether you walk or run, swim or bicycle, do aerobics, or better yet I prefer lifestyle exercise activities such as tennis, beach volleyball, hiking, dancing, etcetera…they are the type of activities that you don't think of as exercise; they create a passion in your life and will lead to a lasting victory over your weight problems.

Diet and Nutrition
There is no single dietary program that works for all people. You must eat 6 - 7 meals per day and each one should contain protein and carbs. Don't allow yourself to get hungry. Keep your appetite in control with smaller meals and healthy snacks in between.

Supplements
In the quest for your goal, diet supplementation is the last of the elements that you need to add to your regimen. Multivitamins, protein, glutamine and depending on your goal a creatine or weight gain products and a fat burning product are great starts. Supplements make it much easier to get the necessary nutrients to build muscle and can even give you an advantage and enhance your training when taken right and combined with a good diet. Keep in mind to check with you physician before you take some supplements

Make this your lifestyle and remember there is no quick and easy weight loss or muscle gain program. Don’t rush the beat!

Stay tuned next week for Funk’s Weight Training Schedule