You may have noticed the barrage of advertisements for fitness equipment and weight loss that flood our televisions and radios this time of year. How can you make out what is truth and what is fiction when it comes to improving your physical health?
The most important thing to keep in mind is that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Large amounts of weight loss without exercise simply will not last. The key to weight loss is lifestyle change. This involves increasing physical activity and decreasing caloric intake. Adding exercise to your day will help you to lose weight, lower blood pressure and control countless other health conditions.
If you are tempted to buy that trendy piece of fitness equipment from the late night infomercial, think twice. Most of us have invested money in fitness equipment that quickly ends up in the basement or doubling as a clothes rack. Stick with the tried and true equipment such as treadmills, exercise bikes, elliptical trainers and weights. Abdominal curls on the floor or on a stability ball will give you a better core workout than the fancy ab machine.
Do not leave your health in the hands of advertisers. Consult with a health or fitness professional if you have questions about equipment, exercises or safe weight loss. The American Council on Exercise also has a "Workout Watchdog" group. You can read their reviews for the latest gadgets at http://www.acefitness.org/reviews/default.aspx
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