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.   Exercise produces endorphins, which give you a “natural high.” 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. Sharp mental focus is also a hallmark of the fencer, which allows him or her to score against his or her 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.   In this way, fencing becomes a very effective conduit on the road to physical fitness.

For those with a more traditional workout sport in mind, there is always jogging and marathon running to consider. Many books are published and Internet sites exist that detail training plans for beginners. 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.  There is no need for a mad dash when establishing your new fitness regimen; in fact, “slow and steady wins the race” because you’re slowly changing your lifestyle. 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.