FIT for Women
As the saying goes, "a woman's work is never done". In a society and culture where being a career woman, wife, mother, friend, and serving the community are but a few of the roles of the average woman, when is there time for a woman to take care of herself? Due to the many demands and expectations in a woman's life, it is more important than ever for a woman to take time to care for her own health and wellness. For years, studies have shown the short term and long term affects of women being everything to everyone else and yet neglecting their own health.
In addition to the many responsibilities that come with being a woman there is also a never ending mind game that has been targeted at women by the media and tabloids. The media leads you to believe that if you don't fit the flavor of the day size and look that you are somehow less vital and less attractive. This ridiculous standard has created an epidemic of body image related fears and insecurities in so many women. The sad part of this is that these women are our wives, mothers and sisters and many of them have accepted this idea that somehow their value is attached to their clothing size. This could not be further from the truth. Every woman is valuable because of who she is and what she brings to her family, friends and those whose lives she impacts. Women should target their goals to become healthy and fit and the aesthetic changes will happen. Be sure to be realistic in the process! Ambitious, but realistic!!!
According to the American Heart Association only 44% of American adults get some exercise, but it is not regular or intense enough to help their hearts or overall health. Another 28% of Americans are not active at all. Exercise must become a habit, part of a routine and lifestyle.
Benefits of regular exercise:
- Reduce the risk of heart disease
- Decreases high cholesterol
- Lowers high blood pressure
- Improves blood flow through body
- Increased muscular strength and stamina
- Improved lung function
- Weight loss and weight management
- Increased energy levels
- Stress management
- Improved self image
- Helps to ease the effects of anxiety and depression
- Prevents bone loss
- Helps you sleep better
How does diet affect your health? The food you eat has a substantial impact on your health and improving your eating habits will improve your overall health.
Some suggestions for healthy eating include:
- Eat more fiber (vegetables, whole grains, dried beans and oats)
- Limit alcohol consumption (no more than 1 drink a day for women)
- Limit the amount of saturated fat in your diet (increases cholesterol and plaque)
- Limit salt intake (salt or sodium are found in many canned, frozen and fast foods)
According to the American Heart Association 35% of U.S. adults are overweight and 30% are obese. People who maintain a normal body weight are helping their own health.
Excess weight can affect your health by:
- Raising LDL (bad cholesterol)
- Lowering HDL (good cholesterol)
- Raising blood pressure
- Causing high blood pressure
- Causing gall bladder disease
- Can lead to diabetes
- Affecting joints and movement
- Cause sleep apnea
- Can impact some cancers
I believe in a very individual approach to training, because every woman has different strengths, limitations, goals, and exercise preferences. I believe that core strength and stability, balance, flexibility and joint integrity work are the keys to building a good foundation for your health and fitness. In addition workouts should be constantly varied and challenging, while being mindful of target heart rate.
Contact me today and allow me to partner with you to change your health and your life!
Keith Kettering
512-584-5844