Vital Steps

"Many people exercise and don’t get the results they are looking for. A common problem is choosing an exercise or movement activity that does not support your goal. For example, if you are obese and want to lose weight, taking a stretch class will not help you achieve that goal. Taking restorative hatha yoga class to improve heart health will not help you achieve that goal either. Exercise will always work if you apply several basic principles to your workout.

Get guidance on what activities or exercises will help you accomplish your specific goals. For example to achieve weight loss or strengthen your heart consider a professionally designed strength and cardiovascular training program.

Change your exercise routine. You can’t expect to do the same routine for months and expect a different result. Muscles adapt to whatever demands you place on them. If your routine does not change muscle recruitment is reduced and you plateau.

Focus on a whole body workout even though your interest may be to flatten your abdominals, tone your arm muscles biceps and triceps and or strengthen your back muscles. Targeting one muscle group or body part can result in muscle imbalances possibly leading to injury. A whole body program is more likely to lead to a healthier, fitter body overall." - Jo-Ann James, Founder of Vital Steps

"If you hate exercise you are not alone. There are many reasons why people hate exercise. The most common is that they choose exercise activities they don’t enjoy. Choosing an activity or workout you enjoy ensures that you will exercise and continue to exercise for the long term. Distractions may help. If you can watch tv, listen to music, or watch movie it may make exercise enjoyable enough to get you through your workout."

"Gyms generally cater to people of all fitness levels. If it is a specialty gym like a crossfit or a spin gym you need to consider whether it is an appropriate activity to participate in taking into consideration if you have a muscle, joint or health problem. Joining a gym can be a way to get in shape. Gyms generally offer a wide variety of activities that you can choose from to get fit. Before taking any of the activities in the gym, get an assessment first so that the fitness specialist can assist you in choosing the appropriate activities for you to get in shape." - Jo-Ann James, Founder of Vital Steps