A guide to fitness and strength training

Running

One thing that many people do when they start exercising is to run as opposed to fitness workouts. However, this may not always be the best way in which to keep fit. The secret is to run intelligently and this entails running less but doing it in shorter, faster, more targeted bursts of energy.

Studies show that this is one of the best ways in which to lose calories and to remain fit without spending hours plodding along at the same, monotonous pace.

Other cardiovascular exercises

Running isn't the only cardiovascular exercise that you can do to keep fit. Most gyms have various exercising equipment designed to get your heart beating faster such as step or rowing machines.

In addition, simpler fitness exercise such as long distance walking, swimming or cycling fitness shouldn't be discounted as these all contribute to good health.

Diet

Although it is possible to build up fitness and strength while maintaining an unhealthy diet, it is certainly not preferable. A healthy diet, consisting of more fruit, vegetables and water, and less sugar, fats, alcohol and red meat, is one of the quickest ways in which to provide your body with the fuel that it will need as you embark on an exercise programme.

Weight lifting

Nothing will improve your strength as consistently as weights fitness. However, it should be noted that it is not necessary to immediately try to lift as much weight as you can since this can sometimes be counter-productive.

The key to building up your strength with weight is to do so slowly and in small increments so that your muscles can build in time.

The best weight exercises

It is important to try to target the entire body when you're building your strength, rather than just one or two parts. If you don't have much time to improve your strength, it may be best to complete the machine circuit in a gym in order to cover all your body parts, including chest, shoulders, biceps, triceps, legs, back and stomach. If you have time, you can target a separate body part each day.