Get In Shape
Aetna InteliHealthSM, with content partner Harvard Medical School, provides you with top-quality health information and breaking medical news. The InteliHealth website is recognized as a leading authority on health and wellness.
Starting a fitness program
Once you've decided to become more active, the next move is creating an exercise program that will work for you. This process can be broken down into four simple steps:
- Set some goals
- Measure your fitness level
- Choose your activities
- Make a commitment to exercise
Components of a basic exercise program
A well-rounded exercise regimen should include activities that develop the three major areas of fitness:
- Resistance (strength training)
- Aerobic activity
- Stretching and flexibility exercise
Finding time to exercise
The number one reason given for not exercising is lack of time. That's why it is important to come up with a regular exercise schedule - one that lets you know where and when you're planning to work out each week. Your own schedule might involve a variety of workout times - morning workouts on some days, for example, and lunchtime or after-work exercise sessions on other days. The key is to find a blend that works for you and sticking with it.
Avoiding exercise injuries
If you are exercising for health and fitness, and not training for a specific sport, you may be more susceptible to overuse, stress-related or repetitive-motion injuries. These usually result when joints or soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments or bursae) become irritated and inflamed. To avoid overuse injury, you must give these soft tissues time to toughen, even if your muscles are urging you to go farther and faster.
For more tips, tools and expert advice for living a healthier life, visit the InteliHealth website today.
Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Aetna group of subsidiary companies, including Aetna Life Insurance Company (Aetna) and its affiliates.
1996-2014. Aetna Inc. All rights reserved. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. External website links provided on this site are meant for convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement. These external links open in a different window. The Aetna InteliHealth website subscribes to the HONcode principles of the Health On the Net Foundation. "InteliHealth" and "The Trusted Source" are trademarks of Aetna Inc.
