One of the first steps on the way to physical fitness is making a commitment.   It’s often difficult to go from a sedentary lifestyle to making physical fitness a part of your every day life, the kind of thing you do as a matter of course, like brushing your teeth.   One of the great things about exercise is that many report that after several months of concerted effort, the exercise becomes less of a chore, and more like an addiction.   Even moderate exercise has the potential to release endorphins into the brain. Avid sportspersons are familiar with this effect, sometimes called the “runner’s high.”   Making physical fitness an integral part of your daily life is greatly helped by finding an enjoyable sport and using that as a pathway to building physical fitness.

People do not often associate sports such as fencing with a “workout”, but it most certainly is.   Think about what the sport entails, though; once you have your fencing gear in place, you begin using a wide variety of muscles and cardiovascular strength to compete. Fencing also requires mental acuity and focus, which helps in making effective moves against an opponent.  This combination of using the mind and the body together engages the individual, making the workout something of a side thought, and the thrill of competition the focus.   This is but one example of using a sport as a conduit to good physical fitness.

If your desires are more traditional, you might consider jogging or marathoning as a choice. Books and Internet websites detail training programs designed to take a sedentary individual through a manageable course toward running a race, such as a 5K. No one starts out training for a 26 mile marathon, but plenty of people have humbler beginnings training for the local 5K cancer charity run. Identifying a charity run that comes up within 6 to 12 weeks is a great place to start; the added element of running for a good cause can provide an extra kick of motivation! Extra motivation is always welcome when trying to establish a new fitness routine.

Always maintain realistic goals and be patient with yourself when establishing a new fitness routine for yourself. Those who are overweight should consult with a doctor prior to starting a routine, if nothing else to be sure that everything is on the up and up from a health perspective.  Realize also that establishing a fitness routine need not be rushed. You have a lifetime to build and hone your physical well-being, and the old adage that “Rome wasn’t built in a day” is instructive.

Thinking creatively about fitness is a sure way to turn tedious and dreary workouts into something to which you actually look forward.   Oftentimes people join a gym, and then proceed never to go, because fewer people find it easy to work out in that environment than do actually sign up.   To overcome this common problem, it’s wise to think about the activities that give you most joy, and then try to carve out a physical fitness routine from those things to which you’re already drawn.   Find your old fencing gear from college – or even better, get yourself some new equipment to treat yourself – is one of the many ways you can revitalize your fitness routine.

Fencing equipment is available at good prices, and it is an option for those looking for a different kind of fitness experience.  Fencing is a sport where you’re engaged in constant movement, and the need for concentration is high.   Keeping your mind engaged as well as your body makes for an ideal sport.

Bicycling is another option when you’re looking for a new sport for your fitness regimen. Perhaps there is a bike gathering dust in the garage that you pull out every once in a while for a jaunt; why not make it part of your fitness regimen?  Bicycling on the stationary at the gym is fine, but getting on a traditional bike in the open air can be even more invigorating.  Not only do you do wonders for your cardiovascular health, you enjoy the sights of nature, fresh air, and your neighborhood. Bike races might attract you if you have the competitive spirit.  Competitions are a motivation tool that is useful for those with that kind of spirit.

Are you sans any type of exercise equipment in your home or office? No problem. Light jogging or walking is something anyone can do, and it fits every budget.   Whether on a treadmill at the gym watching the news or in your neighborhood while listening to your favorite mp3s, walking is something everyone can do.   Beginners should start slowly, working up to greater distances at faster speeds. Experts say that walking is as good for your health as running, provided that you maintain an elevated heart rate for at least 20 to 30 minutes.

Creative thinking about your physical fitness regimen can make your workouts more enjoyable and more effective. Give it a try!