Fit and healthy into 2010

To tackle the new year fit and healthy, you do not need to train like a champion. But a little more exercise in everyday life cannot hurt.
To become and stay fit, you won’t need to torture yourself. 30 minutes more exercise in your daily life is all you need. And according to U.S. scientists, this is high on the list of resolutions for the new year of most Americans. Half an hour is enough to trim your body into shape and to protect against the most common diseases of civilization.

To achieve this goal, the team led by Professor Peter Brubaker from Wake Forest University has put together the following task list:

• 30 minutes a day is the goal. You don’t have to be on the move for half an hour at a stretch. A short ride with the bike for shopping, a short walk – very quickly you’ll accumulate half an hour before you even know it.

• Walks are suitable for most people and it’s by far the easiest way to get moving.

• Get a pedometer, it’ll motivate you and it’s actually fun to watch the calories increase. Recent studies have shown to increase the activity level by 25 percent.

• Write down your everyday activities in a notebook. This increases the motivation.

• Do not force yourself to too much. Regular and consistent exercises are good for your health and you’ll lose a few pounds without much sweat.

• Try out different activities and sports – and stick with what provides the most fun. Only then can you keep motivated in the long run.

• Persuade your friends or family to accompany you on the walk, or work out together with them.

• Set realistic goals. Start in small but consistent steps.