Creating a Personal Fitness Plan That’s Right For You!

When trying to lose weight and get into shape, you have many choices. Just open a magazine or turn on the television and you’ll find a new fitness program that’s being called the next best thing. Unfortunately, many of these “latest and greatest” fitness trends aren’t cut out for the average person starting a health and fitness program. So, instead of trying something new and hoping for the best, why not create your own personal fitness plan.

Here’s how…

• Start by considering your current fitness level – Fitness gurus you see on TV don’t know your present fitness level. You know where you’re at right now and you know your limits. Visit your doctor and speak with him or her about your desire to start a new fitness program. They can be a great resource in helping you develop a personalized exercise and activity plan that will help you burn calories and get in shape.
• Create your goals – Besides the many health benefits associated with starting a fitness plan, you can motivate yourself more if you create personal goals. So instead of just exercising to lose weight put a goal to it. For example, “I want to lose 10 pounds by summer so I can look my best in my summer clothes” or “I want to improve my endurance so I can run that marathon next year”. Once you have a fitness goal, develop your fitness program around it. This will help keep you motivated and assure your success.
• Pick Activities and Exercises that are not only well rounded but fit your personality and schedule – There are many ways to get in shape. From lifting weights to riding a bike or simply taking an evening walk with the kids the key is to pick activities that fit your personality and schedule. When you do so, exercising will be much more enjoyable and won’t feel like another chore on your schedule.
• Consider yoga – Many people find that practicing yoga helps with their core strength, focus, and mental health and include it as part of their overall fitness plan. People of all sizes take yoga classes – it’s not just for skinny people who can bend themselves into pretzels!

Remember; when trying to get in shape it’s about the journey and not just the destination so make fitness fun. Determine your starting point, set your goals, identify the types of activities you enjoy then create a program that supports you to succeed. Be sure to monitor your progress every step of the way. If you are a patient in our practice, be sure to log into the EZDietPlanner & Fitness Tracker™ every day and log your meal and daily activities.

Regular exercise and physical activity promote strong bones and muscles. It also improves your respiratory and cardiovascular health. Staying active can also help you maintain a healthy weight, and reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Bike Riding: Fun Fitness for the Entire Family

As children get older and families get stretched in different directions, it’s important to find common ground. We all need exercise, so why not work together toward a common goal — fitness and family activities.

Biking your way to fitness with your children is a way to get fit and build lasting memories together.

• Safety First: Helmets are an important way to protect the head in the event of accidents. Keep in mind that kids outgrow helmets – you’ll want to check for proper fit and coverage. Consider reflective material either on your children and/or on their bikes and perhaps an orange flag in the back and a bell or horn for signaling.
• Gear Up: As you check your bike’s safety and make sure it’s in working order, consider involving your kids. They can learn about gears, checking tire pressure, and adjusting seats and handlebars, and will feel empowered to make these changes on their own should the need arise.
• Ready to Go: Consider starting out with bike rides in the neighborhood so you can get a feel for everyone’s fitness level and how everyone can handle hills, skids, and obstacles such as uneven pavement or gravel. Once you’ve tooled around the neighborhood, maybe try biking around town. Have a book to return to the library? Your family bike trip now has a destination. Need some veggies? Why not stop at that local farm stand? You can be green and get exercise at the same time.

Once you’ve been around the neighborhood, consider a road trip. There are groups and organizations that set up multi-city rides – travel from one small town to another within your area and stop at the end for a rejuvenating picnic. Perhaps you’ll think about entering your family in a bike race.

So, if you’re a parent looking for some fun ways for the entire family to get fit, this summer try bike riding

About Dr. Fisher’s Medical Weight Loss & Aesthetic Centers

Our medical providers are the heart of our clinic. They take the time to hear your concerns and treat you as a person — not a diagnosis. Our physicians have diverse backgrounds/specialties and are dedicated to providing the most up-to-date, high-quality medicine you’ll find anywhere. Take a moment to learn more about our medical team. To schedule a Free Consultation at one of our 4 weight loss centers, give us a call or use our online scheduler. At Dr. Fisher’s Medical Weight Loss & Aesthetic Centers, Philadelphia’s leading center for losing weight and looking great, we understand the frustrations associated with failed attempts to shed those unwanted pounds and offer a safe, medical solution that is proven to work!

• Dr. Fisher’s Weight Loss Centers Locations: Feasterville, South Philly, North Philly, and City Line Ave
• Dr. Jon Fisher’s Aesthetic Centers in Philadelphia, near the Main Line and Bucks County, employ licensed skin care specialists who’ve made a career helping people find the very best anti-aging solutions.