Posted on: Tuesday, January 18, 2005

Add variation to your fitness plan

By Dave Patania
Cincinnati Enquirer

What is the best thing to do to get in shape?

Consistent physical activity paired with quality nutrition is the best bet. Keep in mind that fitness is similar to life in that it is chock-full of variation, endless possibilities and open to much interpretation.

What works for one person doesn't always work for another. However, when there is a particular object, person, job or hobby that people value, they tend to do what is necessary to nurture, and maintain that relationship.

Fitness is no different, and if you understand and embrace its value, you will naturally do what is necessary to make it a consistent part of your life.

Variation helps you avoid boredom. However, be sure that the activities fulfill your body's requirement for cardiovascular activity, resistance training, flexibility and proper nutrition.

Let's say you enjoy your aerobics classes but are not interested in weight training. A compromise would be to stay with your aerobics yet take one or two muscle-pump classes a week that will work both your muscular and cardiovascular systems.

Try different formats every six to 12 weeks and new activities for variation or stress relief.

Choose activities not only for health but happiness, too. That will breed the consistency necessary for success.

Dave Patania is a certified personal trainer.