There are way too much information and opinions out there on health and fitness. Everyone has an opinion, including me. As a generally healthy individual, I work out regularly and eat relatively well. Then when my son was born, I started getting sciatica. And when he started daycare, I caught every little ‘bug’ he got. I was more sick that year then in the last 8 years combined. I can mountain bike for 4 hours straight, backpack for days with a 60 pound pack but I was no match for my little guy and the critters from daycare. I had to kick my health and fitness regiment up a notch.

Here are seven simple things I did and continue to do to ensure I am fit and healthy.

1. Regular workouts. Those two hour stints at the gym are long gone. The goal is to mix cardio and strength training throughout the week, in short spurts. I do cardio exercise about 3 times a week at 30-40 minutes per session. On alternate days, I’d do strength training. I keep everything simple. My cardio exercises include sprints or cycling. For strength training, I go old school – push ups, pull ups, sit ups (nothing requiring equipment). I try to incorporate my son in my workouts. I’ll get into more details in future posts.

2. Pump the pills. By pills, I mean vitamins and homeopaths. The goal of this is to boost the immune system and increase energy. The pills of choice include Vit A, C (effer), D (in winter), a good multi-vitamin for men, Coenzyme Q10, probiotic and fatty acids (EPA/DHA supplement). This combination works for me but it is important for you to check with your health provider on what will work for you. One thing though, don’t buy your pills from the drug store. Go to a reputable health food store. The reason is simply the health food store variations are better quality and the absorption rate of the product is better. In other words, you get more of the good stuff in you. During cold and flu season, I increase the Vit C, gargle with oil of oregano and take homeopathic flu busters (homeocoksinum).

3. Eat better and drink lots of water. This is a tough one and I think by now, most people know what eating better involves. The problem is will power. Most diet plans fail because it’s too harsh. It basically wants you to cut everything (all your favorites) at once. This has to be a slow process. For me, it’s all about balance. I think if you work on a plan to cut back on the bad stuff (salt, refined sugars, trans fat etc.) and increase the good stuff (fruits and vegetables), then you will be moving in the right direction. Just do this a little more each month. Aside from eating better, it is important to drink lots of water – eight glasses a day. Water helps to transport nutrients and oxygen into cells, moisturizes the air in lungs, regulates metabolism, protects our vital organs, absorbs nutrients, regulates temperature, lubricates joints and detoxifies your internal systems. Enough said.

4. Stretch. I was told by my massage therapist that I am literally shaped like a bike. I never used to stretch and this has caught up to me. Now, I stretch about half an hour a day, everyday. I spend about 10 minutes, split into two 5 minutes session just on stretching my lower back. I use a specialised device to do this.

5. Regular massages. I try to do this once a month and it is important to find a therapist that will ‘work’ you. Spa massages and therapeutic massages are very different. Find a massage therapist who understands body mechanics well.

6. Cleanse. A couple of times a year, I will do a full body cleanse – just to get rid of the crap (no pun intended) from inside of me. There are a lot of off-the-shelf products on the market. Make sure you do some research before doing it. My advice is to do a gentle all body cleanse to start.

These six things work for me and it balances my internal and external needs. I researched a lot and met with health care professionals before doing these things. One thing I have learned is that not all ‘supposedly’ good things are good for you. So if you are unsure, please check with a professional.

better shape · Boost immune · flu and colds remedies · general fitness · healthier living

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