TO stay fit and healthy, one must maintain an active lifestyle. This is easier said than done, of course.
“When I was still playing for the CNMI Basketball Team and the Hoopaholics All Star Team, I never understood why I could easily go from fit to unfit in a matter of seven to 10 days after getting off the fitness wagon,” said Gold’s Gym personal trainer Jerry Diaz.
Kelvin Fitial, left, and Jerry Diaz pose for a photo at Gold’s Gym.
Contributed photo
Four years ago, Diaz did not feel healthy, and his knees would flair up now and then.
So he decided to apply lifestyle changes to himself based on what he had learned from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
He learned new and healthy habits that have now become a part of his life.
As a trainer, he wants to share what he has learned with others who are struggling to meet their fitness goals.
Diaz said consistency is key, and it can be achieved as his good friend, MMA fighter Kelvin Fitial, has shown.
Diaz said it is still a challenge to maintain the habits he has learned over the years and the level of fitness he is happy with
“So when it becomes tedious, I have to remind myself of the reason I behave a certain way and this helps me stay on track.”
Here are some of the ways we can stay active year-round:
• Make getting fit enjoyable. Choose an activity you prefer, since you’re more likely to keep to an exercise plan if you like it.
• Choose activities that suit your lifestyle. Assess your budget, physical abilities and amount of free time.
• Check out local exercise options. These includes sports clubs, parks, walking/ biking trails, swimming pools or exercise classes.
• Make exercise a social event. Find a friend or family member to be active with so you can motivate each other.
• Plan ahead for bad weather. Go to your favorite beach, a swimming pool or gym to exercise indoors.
• Keep some exercise equipment at home. Such as dumbbells, skipping rope or fitness ball.
• Have fun getting physical. Try dancing, flying a kite, throw a frisbee or swim at the beach. An individual is not limited to sports and structured exercise programs.
• Get active around the house. Housework, washing the dog and gardening are all physical activities that burn calories and help keep an individual fit.
• Look for other ways to move your body every day. For example, walk or cycle to the local shops, instead of driving the car. Use the stairs instead of the lift or escalator.
• Involve the whole family in keeping fit. Schedule activities that are physically active, such as walking the dog, kayaking or hiking.
Reference:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ten-tips/10-tips-to-stay-active-year-round
