NEW YEAR 2010
Let's Start the New Year off Right!!!

Regular exercise helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, improves sleep, improves bone density increases longevity, and reduces discomfort from arthritis. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in maintaning a regular excercise program. Here are a few tips to help keep you on track:

• Set a definite date to begin. Mark your calendar for a certain date for each goal that you want to achieve.
• Meet mini-goals: Make small changes every week and they will add up with time. Here are some examples of weekly changes you could incorporate into mini goals: Week One: Drink 8- 10 glasses of water a day. Week Two: Take the steps at work instead of the elevator
• Friends for ever: Tell your friends and family what you want to accomplish and tell them how to help you. Two heads are always better than one, especially when it comes to staying motivated.
• By creating goals, you can evaluate your progress better and know you've reached them. Having a realistic plan and being accountable to it are the keys to your success.
• Reward yourself when you have completed your goals.

START OUT on the RIGHT FOOT

Be sure to WARM-UP 5-7 minutes before exercising. Stretching and flexibility exercises keep muscles supple, increases range of motion of joints, enhances flexibility, improves coordination, increases heart rate, increases blood flow to muscles and prevents injuries. The right way to STRETCH is slow, sustained and relaxed. Stretch to the point of mild tension and hold. Back off if it feels painful. DO NOT BOUNCE. This can actually cause you to pull the muscle you are trying to stretch. HOLD the stretch for a minimum of 15 seconds each. BREATHE slowly and naturally. COOL DOWNS are performed after exercise for 5- 7 minutes. The purpose of cool down is togradually return your heart rate and blood pressure to resting or pre- exercising levels.