In depth clinical explanation of the Comprehensive Metabolic Profile

Excercise Vs. Medicine: Risks and Benefits

Exercise and medicine have been a subject of great debate as of late since people
are seeking more economically favorable health decisions. Medication prices have
spiked over the last few years while gym rates have dropped to some pretty tempting
prices over the last year. You as a consumer need to decide which one will provide
the most benefit for the buck. The medical industry’s boom of the 90’s gave
way to some great medications that can be great death prevention drugs. Unfortunately
there was lots of expensive research done during those days which drove up
the price of prescription medications. Exercise is one of the most underused preventative health tools that are used today.

Fitness Tips

Top 10 reasons for hiring a personal trainer!
1.	To Improve Self Image
2.	Health Related Specific Training
3.	Injury Rehabilitation
4.	Sport Specific Training
5.	Supervision
6.	Efficient and Effective Workouts
7.	Individual Instruction
8.	Safety
9.	Commitment
10.	MOTIVATION!
	- American Council on Exercise

Fitness programs: 4 steps to getting started

Step 1: Assess your fitness level

You probably have some idea of how fit you are. But assessing and recording baseline fitness scores can give you benchmarks against which to measure your progress. To assess your aerobic and muscular fitness, flexibility and body composition, consider recording.

 Step 2: Design your fitness program

It's easy to say that you'll exercise every day. But you'll need a plan — and no single plan is perfect for everyone. As you design your fitness program consider your fitness goals.

Step 3: Get started

Now you're ready for action.

Step 4: Monitor your progress

Retake your personal fitness assessment six weeks after you start your program and then again every three to six months. You may notice that you need to increase the amount of time you exercise in order to continue improving. Or you may be pleasantly surprised to find that you're exercising just the right amount to meet your fitness goals. If you lose motivation, set new goals or try a new activity. Exercising with a friend or taking a class at a fitness center may help, too. Starting an exercise program is an important decision. But it doesn't have to be an overwhelming one. By planning carefully and pacing yourself, you can establish a healthy habit that lasts a lifetime.

These exercise facts will help you learn more about building a strong and healthy body with exercise...

1. Sitting in front of the TV or video games doesn't exercise your body. In fact, if you spend too much time doing them, you can become slow and tired all the time!! To work your muscles, you need to run around and have fun!

2. Your heart is the strongest muscle in your body! It brings oxygen-rich blood to all of your muscles so that they can work as hard as you do. Keeping your heart strong and healthy makes your whole body work better. Stay away from things that weaken and damage your heart like cigarettes. They just slow you down and make it harder for you to run and play. Exercise helps make your heart stronger, so get out there and play!

3. Your body is made up of mostly water, so if you sweat while exercising, your body will need more water put into it! But don't wait till you're already thirsty to start drinking water--your body needs water even before you feel thirsty! Water helps prevent your muscles from cramping (which feels like a really sharp pain) when you exercise. Water helps keep the fluids in your body in balance, so that you stay healthier. Water is good for your skin and it helps your body use food more efficiently.

4. It's very important to ALWAYS wear a bike helmet when you're riding your bike to protect your head and face just in case you fall. Remember, a helmet can save your life!!

5. Exercise will make your muscles stronger and more flexible. Being more flexible means you can move easier and run faster. All good athletes are very flexible. Strong muscles  means a stronger body and a better use of the calories that you eat. Be sure to warm up and cool down with a stretch before and after you exercise.

6. Safety is ALWAYS important, no matter what kind of exercise you are doing.