Shape Up or Ship Out

Getting in shape is perhaps the most exciting and beneficial life changes you’ll ever make. There may be a number of reasons why you’ve decided to get fit. Perhaps you’ve had a doctor’s warning about a developing health condition or maybe you want to look fabulous for a college reunion, wedding or other special event. Regardless, take a moment to prepare yourself for this considerable, and commendable, undertaking.

Over the next 30 days, you can expect to:

• Formulate a fitness plan.
• Make important dietary changes.
• Become knowledgeable about your body and fitness.
• Set and achieve realistic goals.
• Feel optimistic and enthusiastic about your new lifestyle.
• Feel more energized and healthier.

On this first day, get a baseline of all your measurements. On a sheet of paper, write down your current chest, hip and waist measurements, as well as your current weight and resting heart rate. Also, test your physical skill with a modified version of the Army’s physical fitness test. Time how long it takes for you to run around your block as fast as you can. Then do as many push-ups and sit-ups as you can in 30 second intervals. Write those numbers down. At the end of 30 days, you’ll take these measurements again and see your progress. Good luck!

DID YOU KNOW? Only about 22% of Americans are regularly active.