| Have you decided to turn over a new leaf and finally | | | | cardio exercises can help alleviate this problem. |
| take the plunge into the fitness pool? If you | | | | Strength |
| answered yes then there are a few basic steps you | | | | This test will measure the strength of your lower |
| need to keep in mind as you begin your adventure. | | | | body, upper body and abdominal muscles by |
| First and foremost you need to establish a starting | | | | performing push-ups, sit-ups, etc. Lifting weights helps |
| point and this is achieved by determining where you | | | | to increase your strength. |
| fall on the fitness scale. The best way to do this is | | | | Flexibility |
| by visiting your family physician and asking him to | | | | This can be one of the biggest problems for even |
| perform a fitness evaluation for you. This evaluation | | | | those that are in excellent shape. It's important to |
| will include a complete fitness/health history and other | | | | measure the range of motion in your joints. |
| important measures that I have outlined for you | | | | Performing exercises that promote stretching can |
| below. | | | | improve your strength. |
| Heart Rate at Rest | | | | Body Fat Percentage |
| Simply put, this is your pulse, or how many times per | | | | This test does not measure how much you weigh, as |
| minute your heart beats while you are relaxing. As | | | | this doesn't necessarily indicate how fit you are. |
| you increase your exercise rate, your relaxed pulse | | | | Instead, this test measures the fat content of your |
| rate will more than likely become reduced. | | | | body. Generally, you want this number to be low and |
| Heart Rate after Activity | | | | this can be achieved by performing cardio exercises |
| This test is usually performed after exercising for | | | | to burn calories, eating healthy and including a weight |
| approximately fifteen minutes on a stationary bike or | | | | lifting regimen in your fitness program |
| treadmill. Performing cardio exercises will slowly lower | | | | Keep in mind that these tests are not something |
| this number. | | | | meant to discourage you. Everyone has a starting |
| Blood Pressure | | | | point that is unique to them to avoid injury. These |
| This test will measure how hard your heart works to | | | | tests will also show you what types of exercises to |
| pump blood to your blood vessels. High blood | | | | perform to achieve the results of your dreams. |
| pressure can lead to numerous health problems and | | | | |