Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • June 19, 2013 Exercise is a great way to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of developing potentially life-threatening health conditions and diseases. But men and women are often intimidated when attempting to incorporate exercise into their lives after a long layoff from working out. Tailoring a workout that suits you can be a daunting task, especially if it has been years since you visited a gym or took a turn on a treadmill. But creating a workout routine should be an exciting experience that marks the first step toward living a healthier, more active lifestyle. Assessing your current situation: The process of creating a workout regimen should begin with an honest assessment of your current fitness level. If exercise has not been a part of your regular routine in quite some time, chances are you have little to no idea how fit you are. You might be in better shape than you think, or you might have more work to do in the months and years ahead than you initially thought. Consult your physician: It is best to visit your physician before diving into a new exercise regimen. A thorough examination from your physician will reveal if you have any existing conditions that could be exacerbated by certain exercises or lifestyle changes. Your doctor can tell you if any of these conditions are likely to have an adverse impact on your exercise capacity and what you can do to overcome those conditions in an effort to improve your health and quality of life. To get an idea of your current fitness level, your doctor may suggest that you measure your pulse after walking one mile and the time it takes to walk that mile. If your heart is racing after such a brief and stress-free exercise and it took you awhile to walk a mile, you will begin to get an idea of the task that lies ahead. To gauge muscular fitness, the doctor may ask you to perform a simple task How to create a workout that is right for you like pushups to see how many you can do at one time. The more you are capable of doing, the more fit your muscles are. Don’t push it when gauging aerobic or muscular fitness, as this stage is intended solely to give you a realistic idea of where you are with regard to personal fitness. In addition, it is important not to overreact during the assessment stage, as you already know there is work to be done. You have already taken the most difficult step: That is deciding to make a change. Once you honestly assess your aerobic and muscular fitness, you will have a much better idea of your fitness levels. Setting goals: Goals often include losing weight or lowering cholesterol. Establish your personal goals and build a workout that makes reaching them that much easier. Finding a workout you will enjoy: A workout regimen is far more likely to be successful if it includes activities you enjoy. If you truly dread spending 30 minutes a day on the treadmill, your workout should include a cardiovascular activity that you are more likely to embrace. Riding a bicycle can be just as beneficial as an aerobic exercise as jogging on the treadmill. If you love cycling, make that your daily cardiovascular exercise when the weather permits. When the weather is less cooperative, use a stationary bike indoors. If you love to dance, join a Zumba® class or another aerobics class that involves dancing, and your workout will seem more like fun than something you have to do. Building a workout routine that is right for you depends on a variety of factors, including your present fitness levels and your preferences in types of exercises. Honestly assessing yourself, setting the right goals, and finding activities you enjoy are all essential to building a successful workout routine.