Alarming statistics cite adult obesity in America at 34% according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Statistics also show that 31.6% of women are obese.
There is no question; obesity is an epidemic in the United States. With childhood obesity hovering around the same percentages, it is urgent that we take action so we can live longer, healthier lives as well as be an example to future generations.
Regular physical exercise will not only offset obesity, but other diseases caused from being excessively overweight. Exercise is the first “step” towards bettering your overall health from every point of view.
Obesity is a known risk factor for numerous health problems, including hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, arthritis and some forms of cancer. By exercising and modifying your lifestyle, you are not only warding off the above diseases, you are improving your quality of life. I speak to you not only as a fitness professional, but also from experience. I once weighed 340lbs. and have freed myself from the “snares of obesity.”
No matter what your age, sex, ethnicity or body type your entire well-being will improve if you adopt a regular exercise program. Throughout my weight loss, I not only noticed an increase in energy, but I found it improved my mood and self-esteem.
It is important to consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. A good weight loss program should include constant moderate exercise. It is also important that you consult a nutritionist so you’re making sure you’re consuming “quality” calories to reap the most benefits from your exercise routine.
I suggest starting with the type of exercise that you enjoy the most. A nice way to get started is walking approximately two miles three times a week at a rapid pace. Studies show, you’ll not only burn calories, but also increase your metabolic rate. I found through my weight loss journey, that walking in the beginning not only allowed me to achieve significant results, it also allowed me to establish a pattern of reflective, soul searching. That meditative journey allowed me to continue down the path of weight loss success. From there, I was able to progress to more vigorous activities and implement strength training.
Today, I teach some of the most difficult classes in the gym. My weight loss journey began however, with a two mile walk. My motto today is, “Exercise can make a good day better and a bad day good.”
Look for more articles by me on how exercise can prevent specific diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and breast cancer.
Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her fiancé, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.