In health session pt. 1 Team BNz reporter Stephanie Carr and health expert, Will Potts schooled us on the importance of seeking expert advice before fitness training. Fitness is an overall sense of well-being and incorporates not only physical, but mental and emotional fitness.

According to, Potts the first important step of many is to seek information and expert advice through physicians, books, magazines or fitness trainers.

Before any strenuous workout or physical activity you should talk to a health care provider, especially if you suffer from a heart condition, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, joint or back problems, or if you are pregnant, on any medication or if you’re over 50 year of age.

Will suggests, Individuals choose activities that are fun, so they don’t get bored and discouraged during working out. Some fun startup activities that could be done at home could include gardening, yard work, walking the dog, or incorporating exercise videos during the day. There is some fun but effective activities, for those workaholics as well like parking your car farther away, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or walking down the hall to talk to a co-worker instead of using the telephone or e-mail.

To get faster results, make your activity a regular part of your day, in turn this behavior creates what is known as a habit. Regular exercise is a great habit to have for those individuals with children, set aside designated playtime with them outside and improve not only your quality of but theirs as well.

Parents it is very important to encourage children to exercise because there has been a growing trend in recent decades for kids to be less active, with the new age of technology and less active video game systems. Getting kids started young helps in building strong bones, which will reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life.

Even physically challenged individuals can increase their physical activity and simultaneously increase their quality of life in some cases. Although some disabilities may make it harder to perform physical activities than others, it doesn’t need to stop you completely from staying active. In most cases, people with physical challenges can improve their heart, lungs, muscles, and bones-in addition to flexibility, mobility, and coordination-by becoming physically active. However, we suggest that you talk to a health care provider about your personal needs prior to any physical activity.

Before any workout, be sure to stretch and warm up for 5 to 10 minutes to reduce the chance of injury. Individuals that are not active at all or have a medical problem should start with short sessions 5 to 10 minutes long and build up to a desired goal. Also, remember to drink water before, during, and after all exercises.

Although training is incredibly important, you should try to get the right balance between your exercise program and resting, in order to gain the most from your workout. Over-training can leave the muscles fatigued and exhausted which may lead to serious injuries.

Remember, vigorous exercise involves minimal health risks for persons in good health or those following a doctor’s advice.