Diabetes mellitus is a condition or metabolic disorder where the body is in problem of taking glucose from the blood and delivering it to the rest of the body so that it can be used as energy.

Type I diabetes is recognized by the pancreas making too little or almost no insulin.

Type II diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes, is characterized by the pancreas not producing enough insulin to manage glucose levels or the cells not responding to insulin.

It is important for a person who has diabetes to consult with a physician before beginning an exercise program. It is not good for people with diabetes to skip meals at all, but particularly not previous to exercise.

While insulin has many functions in the body, four are mainly vital during or after exercise:

1. Stimulation of glucose uptake into most cells of the body
2. Reserve of glucose release from the liver
3. Inhibition of the discharge of fatty acids from storage depots
4. Facilitation of protein synthesis in the body.

The usual decline in blood insulin during exercise in people without diabetes and in those with Type 2 DM allows the two most important fuels for exercise, carbohydrates and fats, to be mobilized and used by muscle.

Exercise is also known as physical movement and includes anything that gets you moving. Exercise causes the body to process glucose faster, which lowers blood sugar level.

So the question is what kind of Diabetes Exercise is suitable for diabetes control.

1. Aerobic exercise –

Aerobic exercise helps increases heart and breathing rate. This makes one breathe more sincerely and also makes the heart effort harder. It is fine to plan for a total of about 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. Some of the examples of aerobic exercises: -

Take a fast walk either outside or on a treadmill

• Cycling
• Dance classes
• Swimming
• Jogging
• Tennis or badminton

2. Strength training –

Strength training, done numerous times a week, helps build strong bones and muscles. It can be done in following way

• You can join a gym to do strength training with weights or the alternative is to lift light weights at home

3. Flexibility exercises –

Flexibility exercises or stretching exercises helps keep joints flexible and also reduces the probability of injury during other activities. Gentle stretching for 10 to 15 minutes helps the body to warm up, as well as get prepared for aerobic activities.

4. Be on the move all through the day –

Being energetic helps burns calories. For this you can do following in daily life:

• Walk instead of driving whenever probable.
• Take the stairs in place of the elevator
• Work in the garden
• Park your car ½ kilometer before the market begin and go market by walking.

Exercise is necessary whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Exercise has the potential for diabetes control by non medical means, reduce the severity of the disease, and significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications. Exercise can mean the dissimilarity between “medical management” and “lifestyle management” of Type 2 diabetes.

Exercise will greatly help an individual with type II diabetes because of its helpful effects on insulin sensitivity. Exercise involving heavy weights may be terrible for people with blood pressure, blood vessel, or eye problems.

Diabetes Exercise, along with good nutrition, helps decrease body fat, which helps control glucose metabolism. Exercise and good nutrition provide real physical payoffs–they are essential to controlling diabetes. Exercise can help prolong your life and get better the quality of your added months and years.

Glucose levels should be tested before, and after exercise (but after 3 to 5 hours). Proper Diabetes Exercise and nutrition are the best forms of avoidance for type II diabetics.

Aerobic exercise increases insulin sensitivity and, along with proper nutrition, helps reinstate normal glucose metabolism by decreasing body fat. Don’t exercise outdoors on very hot or moist days. To avoid dehydration, drink a cup of cold water before and after you exercise. A personal trainer can help to set up a program for the Type 2 diabetic and help them to exercise properly. People with diabetes must use extra care in preparing for exercise plan because they lack insulin (Type 1 DM) or because the insulin they have is defective in its ability to stimulate glucose uptake (Type 2 DM).

Exercise is a great way to help control weight and it also lowers the blood sugar level. It also lowers a person’s risk of heart disease – a condition that is very common in people who have diabetes.

Exercise can also help you feel better about yourself and increase your overall health.

What kind of exercises to be done?
There are no specific exercises for one to do. Choose any cardio exercise (walking, running, cycling, aerobics, skating, warm-ups and cool-downs, tennis, etc.) – anything that increases the heart rate.

Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and keeps the exerciser’s muscles warm. Strength training builds stamina, while improving both joints and muscles. Warm-ups and cool-downs are essential for the safety of the exerciser.

No matter what kind of exercise one does, make sure to warm up before starting, and cool down when done. To warm up, spend 5 to 10 minutes doing a low-intensity exercise such as walking.

Then gently stretch for another five to ten minutes. Repeat these steps after exercising to cool down.

When you start an exercise program, go slowly. Gradually increase the intensity and length of the workout as one gradually gets more fit.

Consult a doctor about what kind of exercise is right for you, depending on whether one has any other health problems.

1. Aerobic exercise
Aerobic exercise helps increase heart rate, as well as breathing rate. This makes one breathe more deeply and also makes the heart work harder. It is best to aim for a total of about 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. Here are some examples of aerobic exercises:

• Take a brisk walk either outside or on a treadmill
• Dance classes
• Swimming
• Jogging
• Roller-skating
• Tennis or badminton
• Indoor stationary bicycle

2. Strength training
Strength training, done several times a week, helps build strong bones and muscles. Some ways to do it:

• Join a gym to do strength training with weights.
• Lift light weights at home

3. Flexibility exercises
Flexibility exercises, also called stretching, helps keep joints flexible and reduces the chances of injury during other activities. Gentle stretching for 5 to 10 minutes helps the body to warm up, as well as get ready for aerobic activities.

4. Be on the move throughout the day
Being active helps burns calories. The more you move around, the more energy one will have.

• Walk instead of driving whenever possible.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Work in the garden or do some housecleaning every day
• Walk to the market; park your car ½ kilometer before the market.

Are there any risks associated with exercising for people with diabetes?

There are some mild risks, but the benefits far outweigh the risks. So, its necessary to moderately exercise daily the right way.

Exercise changes the way in which the body reacts to insulin. Regular and strenuous exercise makes the body more sensitive to insulin, and thus, the blood sugar level may suddenly get too low after exercising.

Therefore, it is important to check the blood sugar level before and after exercising, and follow the doctor’s advice as suggested for low blood sugar.

If the blood sugar level is too low or too high right before one starts exercising, it is better to wait until the level improves, and normalizes.

It is also important to keep a check on blood sugar level if exercising in extreme hot or cold conditions, because temperature affects how the body absorbs insulin.

Should one drink plenty of fluids during exercising?

Yes. While exercising, our body uses more fluid to keep the body temperature cool. Therefore, by the time one feels thirsty, he may already be getting dehydrated. Dehydration can seriously affect the blood sugar level in the body.

Drink plenty of fluids, water before, during and after exercise.

What safety tips to follow while exercising?

Exercise can affect and lower the blood sugar level, so pay attention to possible warning signs during workout such as:

• Sudden change in heartbeat
• if one starts sweating more
• feels shaky, anxious or hungry
• feeling weak or dizzy

If you feel this way, stop exercising and check out on a doctor. It might be hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. It is normally recommended to keep candy, glucose biscuits or juice nearby to treat hypoglycemia.

Exercise tips for people with diabetes:

• Talk to the doctor about the right exercise for you.
• Check blood sugar level before and after exercising.
• Wear the proper shoes and socks, so as to avoid infection and blisters.
• Drink plenty of fluid before, during and after exercising.
• Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward.
• Have some juice handy in case blood sugar level drops too low.

For diabetes information, diabetes diet, diabetes treatment, diabetes causes visit www.diabetesmellitus-information.com

A restrictive diet combined with the wrong type of exercise will make excess body fat loss very difficult if not impossible long term. This combination works against the body not with it and will only lead to frustration and disappointing results.

Loss of muscle tissue is an important factor in weight gain as we get older. Muscle tissue demands eight times the calories that fat requires so, if we lose muscle mass, we lower our metabolism (the rate the body burns fuel). This can happen even if the weight on the bathroom scale does not change.

Someone who is overweight has an unhealthy body composition (muscle/fat ratio) and restricting food intake without proper exercise will only make this worse. The focus must be on correcting this underlying problem right at the source. Building back the muscle tone will increase the metabolism which is the body?s engine so it burns more calories.

Some people especially women think that they have this genetic curse of “bulking up” overnight if they even look at a weight. But that is not correct, lets repeat it “proper strength training will trim your body not bulk it up”. Adding muscle tissue to the body is not easy, especially for women as they have approximately 18% the testosterone levels of men, the primary hormone related to muscle building. These levels drop in men and women as they age, an additional reason that muscle mass drops naturally with age unless you work to keep it.

For excess body fat loss any program that does not include strength training exercise will cause muscle loss and a subsequent reduction of metabolism. Ultimately, the dieter cannot sustain the lower calorie intake and thus slowly gains the weight back and usually adds some extra as well.

But is doesn’t have to be this way. The solution is two fold – a proper exercise program that contains strength training exercise and a balanced food intake that contains enough food to prevent hunger and enough energy to be able to perform the exercise program with enough intensity (degree of difficulty) to product results.

If you are new to exercise it is important that you seek the help of a fitness professional to set up your program and teach you correct exercise technique. This could save you months if not years of wasted time and effort.

The reason for all this weight gain in our population, however, is not an aging metabolism – it can be attributed mainly to our lifestyle activity levels or rather the lack of them. Inactivity results in loss of muscle, and a loss of muscle, not an aging metabolism, is the primary cause of creeping obesity that has become epidemic in our population. The muscle tissue that remains on a person is as metabolically active as ever, but in the majority of people as they get older they simply have less of it.

A well planned and executed exercise program set up by a fitness professional can be a virtual fountain of youth. There aren’t any tricks or short cuts, but the benefits are numerous including, decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, cancer and metabolic conditions.

You can feel better, look better, and have better control of your body weight and your health by making fitness a part of your life. It is never too late to start, but the sooner you start the sooner you can reap the benefits.

Surprisingly, too much rest during an encounter of back pain will often make the condition worse. A day or two of rest should be followed by specific back pain exercise for complete recovery.

How Can Exercise Stop Back Pain?
Careful, thoughtful back pain exercise will help distribute nutrients up and down your spinal column, feeding your muscles, ligaments, nerves, and joints. Specific back pain exercise will stretch you back, making it supple. Other back pain exercise will strengthen your back, and make it strong. Weakness and stiffness, increased by rest, can be overcome by back pain exercise.

Exercises to stop the back pain now will also prevent future back pain, since you will be increasing your back’s ability to handle extra stress or injury.

CHOOSE EXERCISE, NOT REST, TO STOP BACK PAIN NOW
Before you begin back pain exercise, check with your health care provider. Not every back pain exercise will be right for you. If your injury is severe, a spine care specialist will recommend specific exercise techniques to meet your need. Your back pain exercise program should work the entire body, even though your primary target is the back.

What Are the Exercises to Stop Back Pain Now?
Once you decide that back pain exercise is essential, you will want to choose appropriate exercises. We recommend a doctor’s advice, and suggest that you show your doctor these possibilities.

1. Back Pain Exercises – Stretching
Stretching muscles, ligaments and tendons is essential for back health. Whether or not you are currently experiencing back pain, regular stretching of the back will give strength to overcome or prevent injury and trauma to the back. If yours is chronic back pain, plan on regular, daily stretching for as much as six months to give your back the flexibility and strength it needs. You may want to schedule more than one stretching session per day, but work carefully. Eventually, you will find that back pain exercise keeps back pain from recurring.

Set goals (expectations with due dates) for each muscle group. Decide a date by which you want each of these muscle groups to be strong. Write down each date, and determine to meet it.

Warm Up First for Safe, Efficient Back Pain Exercise!!
If there is any pain, stop or take it more slowly.
Cool down after your back pain exercise.

* Gluteus muscles. The muscles in your buttocks support flexibility in your hips as well as your pelvis. Back pain exercise should include these muscles daily.

The gluteus stretch. Sit in a straight back or folding chair. Move your bottom only forward several inches from the chair back. In that position, lightly press your feet against the floor. Now squeeze your gluteus muscles together, and hold for 5 minutes. This stretch allows you to get back pain exercise while watching TV.

* Hamstrings. Located in the back of each leg, your hamstrings help give you correct posture.

The hamstring stretch. Place one foot on a chair, keeping the other leg straight. Bend over until your chest touches the knee of the foot on the chair. Keep your chest on the elevated leg as you slowly back the other leg away from the chair. Hold your stretch for 20 to 30 seconds. This stretch gives good back pain exercise without equipment.

* Piriformis. The piriformis syndrome is caused by the piriformis muscle irritating the sciatic nerve. You feel pain in the buttocks, and referred pain from the back of your thigh to the base of the spine. Many people call this lower back pain “sciatica”.

The piriformis stretch. Lie on your back, right hip and knee flexed. Grasp your right knee with your left hand, and pull the knee towards your left shoulder. In this position, grasp just above the right ankle with the right hand, and rotate the ankle outwards. Repeat with your left side. You might want to do this back pain exercise with gentle music.

* Psoas Major. Lower back mobility can be greatly limited by a tight Psoas Major. This muscle often causes back pain that makes it difficult to kneel on both knees, or to stand for extended periods.

The Psoas Major stretch. Kneel on your right knee, left foot flat on the floor, left knee bent. Rotate the right leg outward. Place your hand on the right gluteus muscle and tighten the muscle. Lean forward through your hip, careful not to bend the lower spine. You should feel the stretch in the front of your right hip. Hold for about 30 seconds. Repeat with your left leg. If you have young children, include them in your back pain exercise.

2. Back Pain Exercises – Strengthening

Back pain can be stopped now, and greatly avoided in the future, by decreasing lower back stress. These exercises develop critical muscles in the abdomen, lower back, and gluteus. Both of these back pain exercises are learned better when working with a trained physical therapist, but if you are careful, you can learn them alone. Although you may do daily stretching back pain exercises, it is important to take a few days off each week from strengthening back pain exercises.

Lower Back strengthening. Begin by lying flat on your back on the floor. Do not push your back down on the floor. Bend both knees. Pull your navel (belly button) in toward your back while keeping your back relaxed. As you breathe out, stretch your arms upward as though you are reaching for an overhead chandelier. Gradually raise head and shoulders from the floor until your shoulder blades are barely touching the floor. Hold the position one to two seconds. Repeat 8 to 12 times. If you feel pain with this back pain exercise, stop or try to do it more gently and slowly.

3. Back and Leg strengthening. This is one of the McKenzie Exercises, named after a New Zealand physical therapist. Lie on your stomach, and push up off the floor with both hands, raising only your chest. Keep your pelvis flat on the floor. Raise your back to a comfortable stretch and hold for 8 to 10 seconds. Repeat 8 to 12 times. You should feel no pain with this back pain exercise, only a pulling up of the spine.

It is strongly suggested that any back pain exercise be done only after seeking professional medical advice.

What is diet shock? It’s a description of what happens to your body when it enters into emergency energy conservation to protect itself against the rigors of starvation.

This situation lowers the metabolism (the rate the body burns fuel) creating greater muscle loss and once the diet was broken the original fat would return and usually some more creating a vicious cycle.

There is a better way to lose weight (body fat) and it is strength training. If you are not incorporating a strength training exercise program into your weight loss program then you can look forward to disappointing results.

If you want your weight loss regime to work you will have to perform strength training and there is no getting around it. It is absolutely imperative that during the course of a lifetime not only for your weight loss goals but also for general health and wellbeing that you must use this valuable tool.

Strength training builds and tones lean, valuable fat-burning muscle and for every 500 grams of muscle that you gain, you will burn roughly an additional 50 calories per day – even at rest.
If there is a secret to weight loss it is increasing your metabolic rate. You need to train your body to be efficient at calorie burning when you’re being inactive. Remember that a person with toned muscle sitting in front of the TV is burning more calories at that moment than a flabby person.

So let’s do the logic. If you don’t challenge your muscles, they atrophy (waste away) at a rate of about 500 grams a year. Your weight may stay the same, but your body composition will change. Less muscle tissue, more body fat, same weight – and that’s not the best scenario, as we all know too well. As the fat would take up more space than the same weight of lean muscle tissue you would end up with a bigger, softer body.

Sure, you can lose weight with aerobics (walking, jogging, biking etc) alone. But all too often, you’ll wind up being a “smaller” version of an overweight flabby person. Significant muscle tone, definition, vitality and strength are rarely – if ever – achievable from cardio work alone

To melt away more body fat that you would have thought possible all that is required is that you perform a minimum of two strength training sessions per week. This would need to be a proper program with the correct level of intensity created buy a Fitness Professional. Anything less and it is unlikely to be effective and produce the desired results.

The main benefits of this program are to increase your lean muscle tissue which will elevate your metabolic rate. You will now be able to eat more food which means you won’t need to starve anymore to lose weight. Fewer calories have to cut back from the daily intake of food and successful weight/fat loss will become more likely.

To understand the dynamics of strength training is to remember that lean muscle tissue takes up considerably less space (and is much more aesthetically pleasing) than fat tissue. Too often, people who are having success with their exercise program step on a scale and get discouraged because they haven’t lost as much weight as they hoped to. Their clothes fit better, they feel better, they have more energy and they look great. But they’re still sweating the numbers on the scale.

Your better bet is to pay attention to your measurements. Is your waistline getting trimmer? Are your legs firmer? Do your clothes fit and hang better?

You can also get your body composition tested at your local gym or health club to give you a better picture of what’s actually happening as you lose body fat and gain strength, because it breaks your weight into lean tissue and fat tissue. And it’s highly motivating to see those numbers change.

Strength training is your greatest asset and secret weapon in weight loss and weight management. And there’s a very good chance that you’re going to love it.

Q. How do I begin an exercise program?
A. Schedule a physical exam with your physician before beginning your exercise activities. This is especially important if you have not been active recently. An EKG or ECG test (electrocardiogram) may be recommended by your doctor along with a graded exercise test to evaluate how exercise may effect your heart. Ask your doctor what types of exercise are best for you.

For any recommended exercise program, remember to begin slowly and safely, and gradually increase your physical activity level over time.

Q. What is an exercise goal?
A. Remember to discuss with your doctor how often to exercise, and what level of intensity at which you should perform. Begin any exercise program with a slow, steady pace. Try to be active for at least 20 minutes in the beginning. You can steadily increase the time period for exercise over an eight (8) week period.

Research has proven that weight lifting (anaerobic exercise) may benefit people with diabetes. This type of exercise is known as “resistance training.” Lifting heavy weights may not be helpful for persons with certain diabetes complications, so always comply with your physician’s recommendations.

Q. What are the different types of exercise?
A. There are two main types of exercise, anaerobic and aerobic exercise. Anaerobic exercise involves lifting weights or using exercise bands. Activity usually lasts for a shorter duration and involves intense activity done in short bursts. Anaerobic exercise is commonly known as “resistance training” and the goal is to build muscle and increase strength.

Aerobic exercise works the large muscle groups in the arms and legs. Examples of this include: jogging, brisk walking, swimming, biking, dancing, biking and rowing. Aerobic exercise gradually increases the heart and breathing rates. Aerobic exercise is usually recommended for most diabetic patients because of the proven benefits to the cardiovascular system (heart, lungs, and blood vessels).

Q. What if I have had a sedentary lifestyle?
A. You will improve your overall health by increasing your activity level. Take advantage of any opportunity to bend and stretch as much as possible during the day.

To make your day more active, here are some simple tips to get ready, get set, and get moving:

Parking your car further away from the store when you go shopping Use stairs rather than elevators whenever possible Communicate with neighbors or co-workers by stopping by in person, rather than using the phone to call Stay active at home with light gardening and housework chores

Q. What are the strategies for exercising success?
A. Make exercise part of your daily schedule – even small increases in physical activity will be beneficial to your health. Being active simply means moving more!

All physical activities should begin with a warm-up, and then progress to the chosen exercise. After exercising; remember to have a cool-down period. You will see the most progress with your exercise plan when you are consistent with a specific type of activity. For example, if you chose to walk, try to find the most convenient time of day for walking, and then stick to it.

Your exercise program should always include these three (3) essential elements:

• Warm-up: Approximately 5-10 minutes of stretching and bending. This will prevent injuries to muscles and joints.
• Activity: 20 minutes (or more) of sustained physical activity. This includes walking, biking, aerobics, swimming, or other sports, such as tennis or racquetball.
• Cool-Down: Gradually reduce your activity, and then stretch for at least 5 minutes.

Q. Are there any exercise precautions or other guidelines?
A. Remember, exercise will lower your blood glucose level. If you feel symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), take glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. Avoid very vigorous activity when the insulin activity is peaking (insulin is working at the hardest level). If you plan to exercise at moderate or high intensity, check your blood sugar before beginning your exercise. If the blood glucose level is below 100 mg/dl, eat a light snack with a carbohydrate source before exercising. Remember, low blood sugar can occur shortly after exercise or up to 24 hours after physical activity, so monitor blood glucose levels regularly.

When purchasing shoes for exercise, protect your feet with properly fitting shoes and socks. Plan to purchase your shoes at the end of the day when your feet are larger. Avoid open-heeled or open-toed shoes.

Shoe-Fit guidelines: the in-step of the shoe should conform to your the size and the shape of your foot. Your toes should have some “wiggle-room” – the shoes should securely fit at the heel to prevent slipping.

Sock Suggestions: White socks should be used, and they should be soft and padded with no seams.

Diabetic patients need adjustments in insulin dosing or eating schedule. Food intake may need adjusting to prevent low blood sugar when exercising. For example, if you will be bike riding, do not inject insulin into your leg. Insulin should not be injected into a body part that you will use during exercise.

Wear medical identification as a precaution when exercising.

Remember to drink water and stay well hydrated. At least 64 ounces of water should be consumed daily.

You can find more articles at Destination Diabetes

Weight lifting and strength training have long been key elements to any successful fitness program. Simply doing cardiovascular activities alone will not get you the long term results you seek. And remember, permanent weight loss is not about the short term gratification of fitting into new jeans, but rather long term lifestyle changes that lead to a longer lasting, healthier life. Now that we have gotten past that, lets explore the true benefits of strength training, how to start correctly, and the impact it will have on your life-long fitness.

The benefits of strength training. Strength training helps build muscle mass, define muscle tone, and ultimately burn more fat. Yes, you have heard that a million times, but do you truly believe it? Muscle does not weigh more than fat. A pound of chips weighs the same as a pound of bricks – they are both one pound. It just takes a lot more chips to equal a pound than bricks. Relevance? A pound of muscle looks a lot nicer on your body than a pound of fat. You are leaner, toned, and can feel confident knowing that you are doing the best you can for your body. While cardiovascular activities such as walking, cycling, and running are important, adding a strength training component to your workout will help burn excess fat long after you actually leave the gym. Now that’s truly a plus!

A good strength training workout for weight loss should consist of lighter weights and more repetitions. First and foremost, however, you must always consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program. It is highly advantageous to go to a local gym and register for a one-week trial membership. Most clubs such as Powerhouse Gym or your local YMCA, give free trials and sessions with a personal trainer. In these tough economic times, you may want to learn from a pro in during the trial, and if you like, join the gym, if not, take your knowledge and apply it at home. Once you have learned the basics, remain consistent. Start with three 20 minute sessions each week. As your body gets stronger, increase the variety of exercises, amount of weight, then vary the number of repetitions. Please see the links section for more resources on weight lifting.

The lifelong benefits of strength training are immeasurable. You have the choice of being sedentary and immobile, which could be due in part to not properly taking care of and exercising your body, or being active and on the go because you took the time out for yourself and your health. Strength training now can help build good muscle density which will protect you against fractures and breaks in your retirement years. But don’t think weight lifting is just for the younger generation. Even seniors just starting out can reap the fruits of strength training, if you just start now!

Author: PeTika Tave an Examiner from Jacksonville. You can see PeTika’s articles on PeTika’s Home Page

If you want to start a weight training exercise program, you really need to be working with someone who knows what they are doing and can show you the correct techniques. There are many options available. You can go to the gym, use free weights at home with a buddy, or get one of those machines, but if you do not do your weight training exercise with proper safety precautions, it is quite possible for you to get seriously injured.

If you are new to weight training or are not self-motivated, then I recommend doing your weight training exercise at the gym. There are several good reasons for this, and I will go ahead and tell you some of the very best ones. First of all, you can get a spot at the gym. Of all of the weight training exercise injuries, most of them could have been avoided with a proper spotter. This is especially true with free weights which can injure or even kill you if you are forced to drop them based on muscle fatigue. This is the most important reason to go to the gym, but it is really far from the only one.

The fact is that it is easier to psyche yourself up for your weight training exercise when you do go to the gym. With all of those people around you dedicating their time to getting in shape, there is just no way you will feel like slacking off in your weight training program while you are at the gym. Many gyms even have personal trainers available, who will help you to meet your personal best, by working you harder than you will yourself, and helping to chart your goals. They can even suggest which weight training exercises you should use and how many, to strengthen the muscle groups which interest you.

Before you start doing weight training exercise, however, you should do some cardiovascular stuff. While you can get by quite well without weight training exercise, cardio is absolutely essential to your health. You will live longer, be healthier, and happier, and even have more energy if you do some aerobic activities every day to keep you active. We do not stay young forever, but those of us who get adequate aerobic exercises do stay young for longer than those who do not. Once you start doing that, then you can add your weight training exercise program.