photo credit: milopeng
Regardless of whether you've made new year resolutions to improve your health and fitness, there are some things we may want to consider improving on. It doesn't hurt to take a look at our current status and figure out what could use some work. Below are some things to consider focusing on that you may overlook as fitness becomes a priority.
1. Flexibility - I admit, I am still very weak in this area. I always tell myself I need to work on stretching more but it is so easy to skip. Improved flexibility can help decrease risk of injury, muscle soreness, as well as improve overall physical performance.
2. Strength - One reason for deciding to get fit is to look better. However, simply packing on muscle and carving your physique doesn't mean you're strong. Improving your strength through strength training holds many benefits such as increasing bone density, increasing metabolic rate, and maintaining muscle mass.
3. Resting heart rate - A low heart rate at rest has been used as a measurement of efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. A normal resting heart rate ranges between 60 to 100 beats a minute, while an athlete's resting heart rate may be around 40 beats a minute. Keep in mind that other factors could effect heart rate to include age, sex, medication, etc. [Source: www.mayoclinic.com]
4. Diet - Our eating habits can make or break our fitness progress. Working out regularly but continuing to eat junk is not a good combination. Improving our diets doesn't have to be difficult. You can incorporate better eating habits slowly and allow yourself to indulge in your favorite foods once in awhile. If you need ideas on how to eat better, research eating clean or the paleo diet.
5. Core strength - Core muscles support the spine and power all of our movements. Improving core strength benefits can include: improved balance and stability, reduced risk of injury, reduced back problems, and improved overall function on a daily basis.
What are some fitness improvements that you plan on focusing on?
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I am hoping to get fit and healthy and closer to where i used to be. My energy levels are low etc… I want all round improvement of life.
http://littlefatgirl.blogspot.com/
http://eschelle-mumfection.blogspot.com/
Best of luck on reaching your goals, Eschelle!
Very nice post, I agree that above mentioned 5 points can be easily overlooked when doing fitness. Thank you for pointing that iut.
Thank you! I’m hoping to improve my flexibility and strength the most.
Brilliant post Eartha. I’m a regular reader of your informative blog and I like every bit of it. I do use some of your workout tips in my personal fitness program, and I also share some with my blog readers as well.
To me, am working on improving my body’s flexibility and strength training as well.
Keep up the good work sister. Your website is a good source of information to fitness enthusiasts like me. PEACE!
Thank you, Saeed
You have a great blog with lots of good info!
Excellent article Eartha. May I share on my blog with a link back?
Hi Jenn, absolutely, thanks for sharing the article!
It’s good that you have brought these points which actually came from establishing goals for new year. It is easier to achieve any goals once you set them. New year is a perfect time to take a sheet of paper and write down your goals. Not sure if links are allowed here but here is a good article on this subject: http://myweightliftingprograms.com/for-beginners/set-your-bodybuildingfitness-goals-for-2011/
However if one wants to start building his body don’t wait for the new year as the time to start training is NOW.
Happy New Year!
Couldn’t agree more, Radislav. No better time than to start now and keep going long past the time most people have quit their resolutions.
That’s correct, but only those who stick to their goals will achieve success. Persistence is the key here and Arnold is a good example of this for me.
I have decided to start walking regularly from this new year as a fitness drive for me. I consider walking is one of the best way to remain fit.
Walking is awesome. It is one of my favorite ways to exercise too.
Personally I think changing nutrition habits should be #1 on the list. The truth is that workouts alone are not enough, especially if you goal is fat loss.