HEALTH & FITNESS :: 10 WAYS TO GET & STAY FIT 

Kathleen A. Clancy, M.E.D., a certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant suggests these 10 ways to getting fit for real!

(Source: Cleo, February2005)

1. CHOOSE A BODY

The body you live in is largely a matter of choice. Look at yourself - ou chose this body. Choose to accept it or choose to change it. Its your decision!!

2. RUN A MARATHON

Take part in things like the Malay Mail Big Walk or bike tours, though not as a serious ontestant. There is always a demand for volunteers at water stop, start and finish lines and everwhere in between.

3. JOIN THEM

Take a look at what other people in your circle do for activities. Mabe your friend plays tennis. Why not get out there and play with her?

 4. FLIP FLOP

Meaning, your metabolism. Many people exercise in the morning and tend to consume more calories in the evening. The problem is that your metabolism gets progressively more sluggish as the day wears on. Take advantage of this natural tendency by having a solid breakfast and saving the sit-ups for after dinner.

5. DOCTOR'S ORDERS

Fitness is about taking care of yourself. Start with a check-up - you may get some much-needed motivation. If ou do pursue fitness after that appoinment, you might actuall look forward to going back for a follow-up.

6. HANG OUT WITH FITTIES

Take a good look at your unfit friend, the one who snacks and the one who smokes. Now, ask if she'll join ou in making a lifestyle change. If your offer gets a flat reception, it may be time to take a closer look at the friendship. Spend more time with a friend or co-worker who always looks great, eats healthy and exercises.

7. CLEAN IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT

There are definitely days when you will not get exercise. On these days, take a mundane chore such as laundry and do it with gusto. Go for the new speed record in toilet scrubbing. It lacks glory, but you get some exercise and your work is done quicker and probably more thoroughly.

 8. DRESS THE PART

If you join a gym or take up on walking don't show up in giant tee, tatty sweats and hand-me-down sneakers. Show up clean, in comfortable new exercise garb. Save the outfit only for exercise. If you look like a person who exercise, you will feel like a person who exercise.

9. TAKE CHARGE

If you become responsible for other people's exercise, the you're more likely to show up yourself. Gather some friends and start a walking club.

10. CHANGE WITH THE SEASONS

Your routine usually falls apart come Christmas, the end of a semester, whenever. our life bags for a change sometimes so let it happen! Drop your exercise routine and change our diet when these changes are due. Just when you're starting to run out of steam, take comfort in the fact that you are halfway through.