Add Exercise to the Mix

So, we have talked about reducing calories, but we must add exercise to the mix as well. It is as important to good health and fitness as nutrition, and will help us realize our weight goals so much faster than calorie reduction alone. Now would be a good time to say: Check with your healthcare provider before beginning a weightloss and fitness program. Having said that, let's consider exercise for a minute. How do I know if I am over-doing exercising? That is the question I posed to my own doctor one day. She gave me a great rule of thumb: If it hurts or makes you feel worse than when you started, you are probably doing something wrong. You should feel good after exercise, invigorated. Unless you are trying out for the Olympics, forget that "No pain, no gain" stuff. Remember moderate exercise is the key. If it is too arduous, you won't go back to it daily, and then what's the point? Exercise needs to be almost daily if it is to help burn calories and improve your fitness.