The 10 health and fitness commandments

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The fitness gospel
according to James

exercise,health,diets,healthy eating,fitness 10 Health and Fitness Commandments to lose weight

It\'s time to make sure you end 2008 the way 2009 must go on! Thus, James Wilson, personal trainer at David Lloyd Leisure preaches his 10 Health and Fitness Commandments. Thou shalt obey!

Thou shalt do some exercise every day

exercise,health,fitness Exercise every day: 10 Health and Fitness Commandments to lose weight

Just like an apple a day keeps the doctor away, so does a daily burst of exercise help to fight off the flab. Think about how you can incorporate exercise into your daily routine so that you will burn more calories and tone up without feeling like you like have taken on too much too soon. You may have heard it all before but taking the stairs instead of the lift, going for a brisk half hour walk or even carrying your shopping bags home is enough to boost your daily exercise regime.

Thou shalt stretch every morning

exercise,health,fitness Stretch: 10 Health and Fitness Commandments to lose weight

It\'s all too easy to not bother stretching. In fact, it\'s most people\'s least favourite part of a workout. But the truth is it\'s fundamental. It may not burn calories or tone up your muscles but it aids your flexibility and can also improve your posture, crucial for those of us who are sat at a desk all day. So, before you jump in the shower, flex and stretch for at least five minutes every morning to work all your muscles, shake off the stiffness and set yourself up for the day.

Thou shalt eat five a day

exercise,health,diets,healthy eating,fitness Eat your five a day: 10 Health and Fitness Commandments to lose weight

We all know that eating our fruit and veg means a healthier you. But are you actually eating enough? If not then it\'s time to get in the habit as they contain essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need (and crave!). Also, there is plenty of variety to choose from - so you can even get creative.

Thou shalt try something new

exercise,health,fitness Try something new: 10 Health and Fitness Commandments to lose weight

Trying new activities can also help keep you motivated. As the saying goes a change is as good as a holiday so as 2009 approaches shake of the old and embrace all that is new. Why not make up your own work out to some of your favourite tunes? Or take up a group fitness class (check out five of the coolest new fitness trends here)? Or even ask Santa to squeeze a Swiss Ball in your stocking and enjoy bouncing your way to fitness. Whatever floats your boat - don\'t be afraid to break with your fitness tradition.

Thou shalt not go it alone

exercise,health,diets,fitness Don\'t do it alone: 10 Health and Fitness Commandments to lose weight

Finding a fitness buddy and working together will boost your motivation and your success. Team training is actually one of the best things you can do as being accountable to someone else is a sure way to stick to an exercise plan. It can also mean you get competitive, which will ramp up your regime further. The man in your life is an obvious choice, especially if you live together. Or if you and a friend have the same fitness goals then you will work well as a team. You can even look to your workmates to build exercise into your working day.

Thou shalt not be silly

exercise,health,diets,healthy eating,fitness Don\'t be silly: 10 Health and Fitness Commandments to lose weight

Even though losing weight fast is every woman\'s dream, drastic diets are not the answer for squeezing into that LBD in time. It\'s important to eat healthily and enough (portion-wise) to ensure your mind and body can cope with your new exercise regime and ultimately the day ahead. It\'s also worthwhile remembering that the faster you lose the fat the faster you will put it back on again, once you start eating properly.

Thou shalt reward thyself

exercise,health,diets,healthy eating,fitness Reward yourself: 10 Health and Fitness Commandments to lose weight

To make sure getting fit and healthy feels like a treat reward yourself every week with a well deserved treat. That\'s once you can proudly say you have stuck to your 10 commandments, of course! If you have done enough exercise, eaten healthily and are generally feeling very virtuous then why not go for a nice meal, have a massage or simply put your feet up in front of the TV and watch your Sex And The City DVDs again. Heaven!

Thou shalt not lose motivation

exercise,health,diets,healthy eating,fitness Motivation: 10 Health and Fitness Commandments to lose weight

It\'s all too easy to lose your motivation when it comes to getting fit and healthy. Ask yourself one question - have you set the bar too high? This is the most common reason for giving up to soon. It\'s therefore crucial to set yourself realistic fitness targets to ensure you stay on track. So, start small now by doing a little exercise regularly and build momentum to keep you focussed throughout the New Year.

Thou shalt not over-indulge this Christmas

exercise,health,diets,healthy eating,fitness Don\'t over-indulge: 10 Health and Fitness Commandments to lose weight

We all do it of course but if you really want to end this year in shape then watch your portion sizes this Christmas. Portion control is essential for you to successfully manage your weight - that goes for losing and maintaining. The temptation is obviously huge over the festivities with so much booze and good food on offer. But it\'s up to you to manage your intake. You don\'t have to say no, just have a little.

Thou shalt rest

exercise,health,diets,healthy eating,fitness Rest: 10 Health and Fitness Commandments to lose weight

Rest and relaxation is vital to your new found healthy lifestyle (you will be glad to hear). So, try and get an early night more often to catch up on your Zzzzzs. And, why not have a day off. Or at least plan some fun, chilled activities to renew your spirit and body for your overall health and well being. How long has it been since you had a bubble bath? Or maybe it\'s time to plan a spa day with your girlfriends. Either way, take time out to rejuvenate.

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