Fitness tips
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Donna Richardson Joyner:
“Right now 65 percent of American adults are overweight, and childhood obesity is at epidemic proportions. A lot of illnesses are directly linked to a lack of activity and poor nutrition. I try to energize others to get off the sofa. My message has always been that no matter what age, size, shape or color you are, it’s important to be healthy. A lot of us spend too much time trying to look like somebody else or be like someone else. What about being you and being the best that you can be? What you don’t like, work to improve. It’s about loving yourself and taking better care of yourself. I’m a strong advocate for proactive prevention. I have always believed that it’s important to be a part of the process that creates change. I hope to bring about change by eliminating childhood obesity and by helping [break down] the disparities among African-Americans.”
“Just like your spiritual devotion, part of your daily devotion should be ‘how do I take better care of my temple?’ Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, so that means you’ve got to find some balance and take care of yourself, not just spiritually, but physically and mentally as well. Embrace it as a lifestyle. Get rid of old habits. You have to want to change.”
Halle Berry:
“I was a little pudgy at one time. There were a few extra pounds hanging around that I could never really seem to get rid of. But a trainer taught me to change my eating habits. I still eat a lot – I’m diabetic, so I have to eat three and sometimes four square meals a day, but he taught me hut to cut out the fat and when to eat certain foods. You shouldn’t eat heavy proteins at night – you eat those in the day. You eat carbohydrates in the day and lighter food at night. You can really maintain your weight or lose weight if you cut out the fat in your diet. It’s as simple as that.”
LL Cool J:
“You’ve got to be really determined to make it happen. You have to do what you’re supposed to do when you don’t want to do it. There are times in life when you’ve got to keep going. Think of the grocery store as a track, and do 90 percent of your shopping in the running lanes on the outside: stay off the infield. This will limit your intake of unhealthy fats (especially trans fats) and calories. The stores are nearly all set up the same way; produce on one side, meats and fish in the back, and dairy and bread on the other side. All the stuff you shouldn’t be eating is in the middle.”
Celebrity Fitness Tips
WALKING FOR FITNESS
Walking is the simplest and most versatile form of exercise, and its becoming increasingly popular as an aerobic activity. It is especially practical for those just starting to exercise. Kinder to the joints and skeletal system than running or even jogging, walking provides aerobic benefits and improves your overall fitness when done regularly.
Before You Start
To really get the fun benefits of walking, fitness experts advise walking at least three miles, five times a week. Start with a one mile walk the first two weeks and gradually move to one and one half. The next two weeks make it two miles, each week increasing the miles until you’ve reached the three mile mark. Ideally, you should be able to walk one mile in 15 to 20 minutes and three miles in less than 45 minutes. “The important tip to remember is not to rush yourself,” said Katey Chapel, a fitness instructor in New York. “Whether it takes you two weeks or four weeks to walk one mile, walk at your own pace. Let it work for you.”
For people who prefer to walk at a slower pace for their entire workout, it’s possible to get an aerobic benefit by walking for a longer period of time. Consult with your physician before engaging in any aerobic activity, including fitness walking.
Walking Safely
As with any aerobic activity, a warm up and cool down period is necessary, Make sure to stretch your calf muscles, quadriceps and hamstring muscles to help avoid injury. When you stretch, go slow, then work up to a brisker pace. The only special equipment a fitness walker needs is a comfortable pair of shoes with ample heel and arch support. It’s also smart to dress in layers that can be removed as the body temperature rises. So, what are you waiting for? Find a nice, scenic area and go for it.”
By Wanda Yancey
Walking is the simplest and most versatile form of exercise, and its becoming increasingly popular as an aerobic activity. It is especially practical for those just starting to exercise. Kinder to the joints and skeletal system than running or even jogging, walking provides aerobic benefits and improves your overall fitness when done regularly.
Before You Start
To really get the fun benefits of walking, fitness experts advise walking at least three miles, five times a week. Start with a one mile walk the first two weeks and gradually move to one and one half. The next two weeks make it two miles, each week increasing the miles until you’ve reached the three mile mark. Ideally, you should be able to walk one mile in 15 to 20 minutes and three miles in less than 45 minutes. “The important tip to remember is not to rush yourself,” said Katey Chapel, a fitness instructor in New York. “Whether it takes you two weeks or four weeks to walk one mile, walk at your own pace. Let it work for you.”
For people who prefer to walk at a slower pace for their entire workout, it’s possible to get an aerobic benefit by walking for a longer period of time. Consult with your physician before engaging in any aerobic activity, including fitness walking.
Walking Safely
As with any aerobic activity, a warm up and cool down period is necessary, Make sure to stretch your calf muscles, quadriceps and hamstring muscles to help avoid injury. When you stretch, go slow, then work up to a brisker pace. The only special equipment a fitness walker needs is a comfortable pair of shoes with ample heel and arch support. It’s also smart to dress in layers that can be removed as the body temperature rises. So, what are you waiting for? Find a nice, scenic area and go for it.”
By Wanda Yancey
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