KEEPING IT SIMPLE

Over the last 20 years, there have been many new and innovative exercise routines. We’ve seen these programs come and we’ve seenthem go. Most clients who workout at IFC have several things in common. The majority of them have at least one piece of cardiovascular equipment in their house (which gets no use), have bought exercise tapes, but never use them, and have tried numerous diets for quick weight loss. We all want to be in good shape but most of us refuse to accept the obvious.

The most successful people in the exercise industry, whether professional or consumer, have one thing in common...they keepit simple. The most important aspect of any successful exercise routine is the nutritional component. Most people have the desire to work hard, but are unwilling to change their nutritional habits. With 60-80% of the U.S. population being obese, it’s more than obvious that the traditional American diets are not effective.

Recent research has discovered that grazing, eating six to eight small meals a day, with about two or three hours in between each, is much more effective in long-term fat loss than the more common calorie deprived starvation diets. Diets that include “real” foods such as oatmeal, egg whites, poultry, fish, potatoes and rice are much healthier and just as convenient. The nutrition bars that advertisers hurl at you are nothing short of low fat candy bars. Compare for yourself. The sugar content in the traditional candy bars is not much higher than these “balanced” bars.

The other elements of a fitness regime that are required if it is going to be successful include; strength training, endurance and flexibility. By focusing on these elements anybody can become physically fit, no matter what their existing condition. Being consistent with a simple resistance training program, the average person can increase their Basal Metabolic Rate (calories required per day) 100-200 calories per day by adding just one pound of muscle to their body weight. Therefore, with a consistent “diet” of training and nutrition, significant changes in health and appearance can be achieved.

------ Lance Fessler