Om_Yoga_Magazine__November_2017

Health and fitness are usually made to seem too complex,

but it doesn’t have to be that way

T

here’s so much advice out there on how to get fit, it

makes your head spin. But really it all boils down to

two simple rules: (1) get your body moving on a regular

basis and (2) eat a moderate amount of real, whole

foods (with occasional indulgences).

Stick to those two rules (and stick with them for a while) and the

chances are you’ll see a positive impact. Do both most days of the

week and you’re well on your way to health and fitness.

However, some folks like a little more detail, so here’s a

more complete set of simple fitness rules.

GET MOVING: try to do some kind of physical activity most days of

the week (four or more days if possible).

ENJOY YOURSELF: whatever activity you choose, it has to be fun. If

you don’t like it, move on to something else.

SLOWLY ADD INTENSITY: once you’ve been doing an activity

for a little while, and you’re in decent shape, it’s good to add some

intensity. But do it slowly or you’ll risk injury.

MINIMAL EQUIPMENT: there are a million different exercise

gadgets out there, from ab machines to elliptical trainers to a whole

slew of weight machines at the gym. Keep it simple. You can do yoga

at home for free with practically no equipment.

JUST A FEW EXERCISES: don’t get bogged down in the detail

(think reps and sets bodybuilding in the gym). Simplicity is key. If you

just know a few yoga poses, then do those. Of course, you’ll want to

mix it up eventually with some variations, but don’t fret it as you find

your way back into fitness.

EAT REAL FOODS: if you don’t eat right (most of the time), it

doesn’t matter how much exercise you do — you’ll get fat and

unhealthy. Aim for real, whole foods that are as close to their natural

state as possible. That means stay away from processed foods and

opt for veggies, fruits, beans, seeds etc.

EAT LESS: most people eat too much, and eventually it shows up as

fat. To lose that fat, we need to eat less — it’s really that simple, or

at least until you reach a healthy level of body fat. Eating slowly and

mindfully is another good tip.

GIVE IT TIME: don’t expect to see results immediately, as real

fitness is a process and a lifestyle change. Learn to enjoy the

process and you’ll get healthy and fit almost as an afterthought to

this new, amazing lifestyle.

THE

SIMPLE

FITNESS

RULES

om body