Brought to You by Optimal Lifestyles, Inc.

Techniques/Strategies for Optimal Fitness

www.optimallifestylesinc.com

barb@optimallifestylesinc.com

314-984-0592 Now that you have seen the advertisements and heard the weight loss gimmicks, let’s get serious about getting in shape.  We have just a few months until golf season gets into full swing in St. Louis. In order to insure fun and successful outings it is never too soon. Losing weight is a good way to insure that we feel better and have more energy during a golf round. Part of any successful weight loss plan is exercise, which leads to greater endurance and increased flexibility.

Below is a list of Optimal Lifestyles tips to help you lose weight and get in shape for your next round of golf.

Get serious.  Make a commitment to yourself to lose 5, 10, or 15 pounds by the start of golf season at the beginning of March.  For the next two months when you fill your plate, eliminate about one third of what you would normally eat.  You’ll be surprised at how much less food you really need for sustenance.

Next, fuel up with good nutrition to increase your energy:

* Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins.

* Drink eight glasses of water a day.

* To avoid impulse eating, take time to plan ahead for your meals.

* Don’t let yourself get hungry. Carry an energy bar or two wherever you go.

* Keep busy to avoid thinking about food.

What else? Get moving and start an exercise program. Plan to do some kind of physical activity for 30 minutes, six days a week. Cardio exercise is best to lose weight.  Remember, any exercise is better than no exercise and every little bit helps.  Find some activities you can do as a family – like hiking, bowling, or swimming – in addition to exercising on your own.

Be realistic about setting goals.  Trying to achieve too much too soon can lead to failure. Meghan Vivo, associate editor of To Your Health magazine, notes that “it’s best to build your fitness gradually and lose 1-2 pounds per week to ensure that you don’t lose muscle or bone tissue in addition to fat”.

The above tips are a simple way to get started. Give yourself two months to follow these tips, then reevaluate your program and make adjustments to insure that you continue for another two months. Keep revamping your program until you reach your goals.   

If you need help getting started or staying motivated, contact Barb with Optimal Lifestyles, Inc. at 314-984-0592.  Remember to check with a physician if you are starting an exercise program.  Here’s to continued enjoyment of golf during the 2008 season!