Fitness...

Exercise is not merely important. It is absolutely essential. Most people, however, don't realize this, because the time factor of the cause-effect relationship between lack of exercise and the resulting decline in functional ability is so great. To elaborate on this point, Arthur Jones (founder of Nautilus) once used the following example during a Nautilus seminar:

If nothing is done to prevent it, we gradually lose muscle tissue as we age, becoming weaker, and less flexible as a result. There are several problems associated with this, the most obvious being a decrease in metabolism resulting in increased body fat, which is a primary risk factor for heart disease and several other serious health conditions such as diabetes. Not so obvious though, are the effects of a lack of exercise on one's bones.

Most people don't realize how little time is actually needed to add lean muscle to the body and the enormous impact doing so can have on metabolism. Consider this: every pound of muscle added to the body of an adult female will require an additional 75-100 calories per day just to keep it alive. The average person, through a program of proper strength training can add enough muscle to burn an additional 3500 calories per week (1lb of fat = 3500 calories). There are programs, such as "high intensity strength training" that are "more aerobic than aerobics" and quickly produce results spending one hour per week (20 minutes, 3 times per week) For a great article on this subject click here

If you are completely out of shape, start here. Here are some articles on Burning Fat, and Increasing Calorie expenditure through exercise.

We will soon be adding to this site many articles, information and links on the topic of exercise, including techniques, tips, workout routines, and target training exercises for specific sports or injury recovery programs. We will also be adding some great products to enhance, help and inspire your own fitness program.

Enjoy optimal health,

Fit 4 Maui