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The Three Keys To Any Successful Exercise Program

By Bob Mittleman

I often sit down with clients and discuss what it will take to be successful when they embark on an exercise routine. To a person, each one is looking for the magic key or formula. However, there is no magic key or formula. It all boils down to three simple steps: Weight training, Cardio and proper Nutrition. Not one is more important then the other.

The average person should attempt to get in two to three days a week of weight training. Ironically, as someone gets on with age, it becomes more important to weight train. How to weight train is a different story. It all depends on the individual and what goals they have. Most need to improve their overall appearance and then begin a maintenance program. When done properly, a weight training program will lead to a better way of life for the present and future.

Cardio training is probably the least favorite of any exercise program. “It’s boring.” “It takes to long.” “I don’t have the time.” “I sweat to much.” These and others have been heard countless times as excuses for not including a cardio program in one’s exercise routine. Bottom line, they are excuses and if not overcome, all the work that is put into weight training would be for naught. Cardio is a key component to one’s success. In the beginning, one only needs to get in 5 -10 minutes a day. As the individual improves, they can increase it to 15 minutes to 45 minutes a day. It has been found that cardio is a major factor in fat reduction and improving lean muscle mass. You can also add that cardio has the ability to lower one’s resting heart rate, lower blood pressure and reduce stress. Why would any one not want to incorporate it into their lifestyle? Once my clients overcome their fear and/or disgust for cardio training, they thank me. It actually becomes fun for them.

Proper nutrition wraps around an entire successful program. You can weight train and have a great cardio base but if not eating properly, you will waste your efforts. Eating properly can be done so simply by following basic steps. The key step of them all is eating supportively so that the body has enough fuel to burn during exercise and enough fuel for the muscles to recover properly after exercise.

A successful exercise program involves incorporating weight training, cardio and proper nutrition. Not one area is more important then other. The amount of time spent in each category may vary depending on the individual. Before embarking on a program, one should have a proper health assessment and evaluation conducted. By doing so, the individual can have pinpointed their strengthen and weaknesses. An evaluation will point out one’s body fat, lean muscle mass, resting heart rate, recovery heart rate, flexibility and core strength. With all that information in hand, a program can be designed properly that will lead to dreams being achieved and a happy/healthier lifestyle ahead. Who would not want that?

About the Author:

Bob Mittleman is the former coach of the Greater Long Island Running Club Men and Women’s racing teams. When not coaching, he is the owner/operator of Fitness Together in Woodbury, NY, part of the Fitness For Life Franchise Corporation.

His approach to fitness combines extensive knowledge of physical training, nutrition, and motivation to ensure success. He has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Long Island Business News, Southampton Press as well as being interviewed on WLIE 540AM. He was recently involved with the development of “How to feel great at work everyday” authored by Deborah Brown, PCC. His website is www.ftwoodbury.com.