Check your waistline. People who carry too much fat around the middle are at greater risk many health problems, ranging from high blood pressure to cancer. This is especially true for men, who tend to gain weight around the stomach more frequently than women. Your waist size indicates your risk factors. To measure your waist, relax your stomach muscles and circle a tape measure around your midsection, just above your navel. Note the number where your fingers come together on the tape. According to the National Institutes of Health, waist sizes greater than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men increase your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity-related illnesses.
Consider your physical fitness level. If you huff and puff going up a few steps or walking across the parking lot to your car, then you need to get active to improve your health. Regular exercise not only controls weight, but also prevents numerous health problems, boosts energy, deepens sleep, and improves your mood and your love life. Gauge your fitness level with a quick test. Set and start a timer for three minutes. Step on and off a 12-inch step bench or similar stair at a steady pace. Take your pulse on your wrist for one minute. A pulse rate of 130 or higher for men and 140 for women indicates poor cardio endurance. The less your heart pumps in this short amount of time, the better your physical fitness.
Choose physical activities that challenge and stimulate your body. Break out a hula hoop or try belly dance classes if those movements suit you. Jump rope, or experiment with cardio kickboxing. Discover fun, enjoyable exercises to activate your workouts. If you need accountability partners, find people who are already working out and ask to join them. Tag along with a friend to a group fitness class, for example. Partnering up might expose you to new physical activities and motivate you to start exercising consistently. Remember to consider your current fitness level when sampling physical activities. Strenuous exercises might discourage beginners, so start light with walking and slowly build your intensity to boot camp fitness, for example. This progression will prevent injury and keep you actively engaged in your workouts.
