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An easy workout is better than no workout

Don't lose momentum by missing a day

YOU know that going to the gym is good for you.

You also know that if you get into the habit of doing it regularly, it makes you feel good.

Going to the gym is all about finding a routine and sticking with it. You pick the days of the week most convenient for you, you figure out the best time of day, and you do it every day for a couple of weeks, or even months.

You make it a habit and you feel good, but then . . . life gets in the way. You stop because of illness or other commitments and find it difficult to get going again because you've broken the cycle.

So what can you do to get back on track?

The best way to deal with this is not to stop in the first place.

If you have less time or you aren't feeling 100 per cent, just do the following quick and easy workout.

- Rule one: Only do your favourite exercises.

Try to pick one exercise per body part. However, don't worry too much about it - if you miss a body part or end up doing two exercises for another body part, it's no big deal. The main goal of the workout is to get your blood flowing through your major muscle groups without putting too much stress on your body.

- Rule two: Don't overexert.

Don't try to set any personal strength records on these days. Use weights that are fairly light and keep your repetitions around 10 to 12. Remember, you don't have to do your best workout every time you exercise - it's okay to take it easy once in a while, especially if it keeps you from staying home!

- Rule three: Keep it short.

Keep your workout between 35 to 40 minutes. Do 15 to 20 minutes of light cardiovascular exercise and 15 to 20 minutes of weights. Don't worry about keeping your heart rate in your target zone, just getting your wheels turning is enough.

If you know you don't have to push yourself to the limit every time you work out, it will make it easier to stick to your routine. You may only need to do the quick and easy workout two or three times per month, but the benefits are huge.

Consistency is the most important variable for longterm fitness success. If you are feeling tired or a bit under the weather, missing one workout can lead to missing a week, which can turn into a month or more.

Remember, it's always better to do something than nothing at all!

Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer. For further information call his office at 604-420-7800 or visit their web site www.karpfitness.com.