Considering the fact that so many adults have bad eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle and an overload of stress, it’s really no surprise that adults all over the country are obese. Many risk factors that come from obesity have shown an increased need for medical treatment. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are no longer exclusively health issues that affect older adults. Younger adults who are overweight are experiencing these conditions as well.

How do we combat it? One of the most important things is that we have to get moving, and keep moving. As an adult, our bodies are going through many different changes as we age. If we don’t take care of ourselves through our young, middle and older adult years, osteoporosis, muscle loss, and disease will be waiting for us just down the road. Adults need a combination of aerobic exercise and strength training for weight control and disease prevention.

The good thing about exercise is that there are so many kinds to choose from. You can start with one and move up as your fitness level progresses. The best overall exercise is walking. Start by walking a couple of miles. Walk at a pace where you sweat but can still talk. As you get used to it, carry weights to increase the resistance on your body.

Instead of joining a gym, you can purchase and build a library of exercise tapes to workout in your own home. Choose a combination of high and low impact workouts. Low impact is excellent for beginners. If you start out with exercising too fast, you are more likely to give up on the program. Start with walking or bicycling. Move up to aerobic kickboxing, step aerobics, Pilates, dance routines, and yoga. People who would rather be outdoors can participate in group sports, swim, play tennis, and a host of other things that are fun and don’t feel like exercise.

One great method for ensuring you get enough exercise and that you continue with your program is to find someone to workout with. Pick a walking partner and have a set time each day to get together. Increase your distance each week and before you know it you’ll be walking several miles a day and feeling great.

Strength training will increase the amount of calories that you burn and help you lose weight. Using machines teaches proper technique for each exercise. Don’t worry about lifting a lot of weight. Do more repetitions instead. Be sure to hit all major muscle groups at least once or twice. When the weight gets so light that you are losing form, increase the poundage.

And, best of all, exercise is cumulative. This means that a little bit several times a day adds up. If you can only work in thirty minutes a day in ten minute increments you are still providing health benefits to your body. And, best of all, exercise is cumulative. This means that a little bit several times a day adds up. If you can only work in thirty minutes a day in ten minute increments you are still providing health benefits to your body.