Wrong.

Depending on the environmental conditions where you live, there may be extra precautions that you'll want to consider when trying to lose weight by following a healthy diet and weight loss program.

High Altitudes

High altitude environments have less available oxygen then those closer to sea level. One of the effects of such altitude is that the heart must beat faster in order to do the job of delivering oxygen to the muscle tissues both while active and at rest.

Depending on the specific altitude and corresponding acitivity, heart rates may soar as high as 50% above normal. Also, side effects like hyperventilation, dizziness, insomnia, weakness, headache, and irratability are also common in such an environment.

Because of these possible outcomes, people who exercise in high altitudes will definitely want to consult a local physician for clearance before beginning their weight loss exercise program, and may want to lower the intensity of their weight loss cardiovascular activity—especially if they are beginners.

People living in high altitudes will also want to get medical clearance before trying any diet pills, diet patch, or any other weight loss product(s) that may elevate the heart rate to eliminate risk of more complicated health concerns.

Exercising in Extreme Heat

Under normal circumstances, the body's temperature is at or around 98. In areas that have very high temperatures (around 100 or more), the body must adjust to maintain the proper temperature by transferring some of its heat back into the environment.

The primary result of this reaction is that he heart rate will be higher than normal, similar to the effect of being in high altitudes. To best aid the body in maintaining its normalcy under such conditions, make sure to drink 3 to 6 oz. of water for every 10 to 15 minutes of weight loss activity and allowing as much sweat to evaporate as possible. It is also important to wear as close to 100% cotton garments as well as stray away from rubberized or water-proof garments that will prevent sweat evaporation. Light colors should also be worn.

Exercising in the Cold

To the surprise as many, water replenishment is just as important in the cold as it is in much warmer environments.

The fact of the matter is that water is lost as vapor as inhaled during cardiovascular exercise and other activities that help you to ultimately lose weight. There is also a risk of losing too much body heat once you are done exercising.

To best be prepared to exercise in order to lose weight fast while living in cold environments, make sure to dress in layers to insulate body heat and drink plenty of water. Also wear a hat to limit the amount of body heat that escapes through the head, which is where most body heat is lost from.

To YourBestBody,

Lawrence Cole Your Lifestyle and Fitness Coach See this Weight Loss Article at YourBestBodyNOW.com

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Lifting weights is a great way to work out, increase your personal energy level, and develop good muscle tone, as well as a way to bulk up. For many guys bulking up is the primary goal of losing weight and girls have for a long time resisted the idea of lifting weights for fear of bulking up. Fear no more ladies, by building muscle tone you are eliminating fat and burning those pesky calories.

In addition to those goodies is the energy boost that lifting weights provides. If you lift weights early in the day you will have an initial boost of energy, if you find that you are sluggish near the middle of the day, try lifting weights then. I believe you will find that lifting weights will provide just the spurt of energy you will need in order to make it through the remainder of your day. Others find that lifting weights late in the day is relaxing and prepares them for a good nights rest.

In today's world where obesity is becoming more prevalent in young and old alike, developing a habit of lifting weights on a daily basis is a great way to tone your body and help your body passively burn calories. If you haven't considered this as part of your daily fitness regimen, then perhaps it is time you do.

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The tendency when suffering from arthritis is to keep your joints as motionless as possible. The problem is that this leads to weakening of the muscles and tendons and a stiffening of joints, which makes the pain worse over time. It is a self-feeding cycle difficult to break out of.

One solution comes in the form of The Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program, a warm water exercise program designed by the Arthritis Foundation. Why warm water exercise? The warmth offered by hot water allows muscles to relax and intensifies circulation of blood to the joints. In fact, ever since the discovery of the first hot springs, humans have used the miracle of warm water baths to fight aching joints.

Besides reducing the pain in your joints, exercising in water permits body weight to be supported. This makes exercising in water easier, safer and more relaxing. Not only that, but the resistance that water provides as your body moves in it helps strengthen muscles

These days, what with spas, health clubs and backyard hot tubs, just about anyone has access to a pool of hot water to relax in. Not only does this bring some immediate relief of arthritis symptoms, but it also provides us with a great environment in which we can exercise.

You should consult your doctor before beginning water exercise. Water exercise is completely safe for most people, with a few exceptions. If you've have suffered serious joint damage or replacement surgery you may be among them. Your doctor will know what's right for you. Also be aware of temperature. Water between 83 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for exercise. Anything over 100 degrees may be relaxing, but can lead to overheating. After you've gotten the doctor go ahead, it's time to get started.

The Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program exercises can be found in the free brochure "Water Exercise: Pools, Spas and Arthritis" from the Arthritis Foundation. Classes are also offered at local pools nationwide–contact your local Arthritis Foundation office for information. The classes are lead by a trained instructor, usually last between 45 minutes to an hour and are scheduled 2 to 3 times a week.

With a doctor's guidance, whether at a local pool or at home, a water exercise program is a fun and effective way to combat arthritis and keep joints and muscles healthy.

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For fitness minded folks, we could do worse than to follow the "hour-a-day" prescription outlined by the Surgeon General's Healthy People Report. It's just a guideline, of course and, as you already know, any amount of activity packed into your busy schedule is going to earn you healthy rewards. But there are plenty of other reasons to exercise.

"If people exercised only moderately," says Janet Kneiss, Physical Therapist, "there would be far less incidence of injury. The 15 or so people I see daily, who come in with back and neck problems, usually don't want to exercise, they want a quick fix."

The solution as she sees it?

"I think, if people could just reframe the idea of it [exercise] being so much work and focus more on the enjoyment of doing it, they would find the experience more positive."

So, if exercise alone can keep you injury and disease free, how do you keep it from being just another thing "to-do?" Here are a couple ideas:

Do something you enjoy: This sounds incredibly simple, but it's worth mentioning. As we've already said, most seasoned fitness fanatics as well as neophytes will be the first to tell you: if you do something you enjoy, you will stick to it. What do you like to do? Walk? Run? Spin the treadmill while watching the tube? Or how about branching out and trying something unique and different like kick-boxing or martial arts? It's a great idea to add variety; it will keep your exercise fresh and interesting.

Mix it up! Speaking of variety, you can also mix up your routine. For example: try splitting up your exercise sessions. If you take a half-hour walk in the morning, take a half-hour to stretch or resistance train in the afternoon. Just adding a bit of variety could spice things up and keep you motivated.

Make an appointment with yourself. Make the commitment to exercise by making an appointment with yourself. Write it on your calendar. If you've never exercised before, start slow [10-15 minutes] then build up. Begin exercising three times a week, then slowly build up your time and your frequency. If you love to exercise, try listening to your bio-rhythms. If you can, schedule exercise during peak energy periods.

Strive for your personal best. A friend e-mailed to tell me he was gearing up for another 5K relay race. I wasn't surprised. When he was 40, never having run before and not having "runners genetics" as he puts it, he decided at 15 pounds overweight and asthmatic, he was going to run. He made up his mind. For a year he trained, dropped the weight and signed up. His first goal was simply to finish. Did he do it: you bet. Did he work through an asthma attack to get across the finish line? He did, but he kept going. Now, he continues to train and improve his time with each race. His secret, he tells me: enjoy the journey, live in the moment, and focus on your personal best.

"So, Laura, what's the take home message?" you ask. Never mind what everyone else is doing. Stay focused on you, doing what you enjoy and what is fun and exciting for you. Learn everything you can about health and fitness. Then, do the best you can. In so doing, you will be an inspiration for others. To summarize: A quote from one of my favorite inspirational writers Dr. Wayne Dyer, who says: "I don't want to be better than anybody, I just want to be better than I was yesterday."

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Some warm-ups include exercise bike riding, walking, jogging, or even basic calisthenics. Don't start at the pace you hope to keep during your workout; start slowly, building up momentum and energy as you go. Set a stopping time and then move on with the rest of your workout.

When you begin lifting weights, start with lower poundage to warm up those muscles. Then you can add more weight and start lifting. This way, you won't be as apt to strain a tendon or muscle-group–your muscles will be more limber and ready to handle the strain of a more exertive workout.

While you're lifting weights or doing any sort of exercise, you need to breathe. People have the oddest habit of holding their breath during hard physical exertion or times of discomfort/pain. When you exercise, if you hold your breath, you can actually raise your blood pressure and put a larger strain on your heart and blood vessels.

Breathing sounds simple enough, but in order to make it intentional during a workout, breathe in through your nose, taking a long, deep breath. Then exhale through your mouth. Don't reverse it–you'll end up hyperventilating if you do it wrong or too quickly. Inhale on the 'lift' of an exercise, and exhale on the 'release' of the same.

Some gyms will have step exercises or jogging boards in between the weight machines to help you keep your heart rate up during your workout. This lets you rest your muscles a little between each machine, as well as keeping your heart rate at an optimum level. You don't want to lose the benefits of your exertion between stations at the gym–that defeats the purpose!

After you've completed your strength-training workout, you want to allow yourself four or five minutes of light aerobic exercise to relax your body and give you a chance to breathe easier. Just walk around at a normal pace, then stretch lightly. You'll be amazed at your flexibility and the ability you have to extend arms and legs further than before!

Before you think about exercising or doing weight training 6 or 7 days in a row, consider this. When you do weight training to bulk up, your muscles are strained. In order for them to become stronger and larger, they need some time to repair themselves. So let your muscles rest a day in between workouts. Do some walking or aerobics instead on those days and you'll maximize your workout!

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The utmost battle for any working mother is the obstruction of having time in their day to exercise. For stay-at-home mom it can be even extra tricky because children will regularly go along with the adventure which means a plethora of distractions.

One of the most effective forms of exercise is walking which is also an easy exercise program to start with because you are able to set your own goals and limitations as you get on with your new fitness exploit. People might try to persuade you to join your local gym, walking for exercise allows you the capability and flexibility to exercise anywhere and anytime you want.

Even though an open schedule is good, when you are starting out it is important to schedule your walks. Pick out a set schedule for 3 weeks and write it on your calendar and plan everything else around your walking schedule. The reason is you will find it easy to break exercise commitments because you put someone else's needs before your own. For 3 weeks, put your overall health and well being first.

Start slow. It is also a good idea to start with two 10 minute brisk walks before plummeting into a full twenty minute power-walk. Unless you are extremely overweight and or have health problems, you should be able to start your walking program with the two daily exercise sessions and do these 5 days a week. I highly recommend you take a couple days off a week so you do not get burnt out.

Start your walking program on a Monday. If you really want to improve your health then also change your eating and sleeping habits too. By eating right and getting a good nights rest every night you will see dramatic improvements in not only your health but also your overall feeling. You can accomplish so much more if you are maintaining a healthy lifestyle while taking on a life-changing and possibly life-saving walking program.

Walking the weight off may be just what the doctor ordered, but please be sure and ask your doctor before you start this or any exercise program. In particular if you are twenty pounds or more overweight and haven't been actively involved in any other exercise program.

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Nordic walking evolved from evolved from another type of exercise more commonly known as ski-striding, which was an off-season activity that enabled people to become more accustomed to the skis. This was first popularized as a year-round activity in Finland by cross-country skiers for off-season training — known to be the most fit athletes in the world. It was from this place where Nordic walking was aptly coined — although in Finland, this sport is referred to as sauvakvely, or "pole walking". Although initially this fitness regimen did not spread so quickly — with it first being promoted in 1980 until the first official Nordic walker ski poles were introduced to the public in 1997 — it has soon become the fastest growing recreational fitness sports in the world. By the end of 2005, the estimated number of Nordic walkers has been pegged at a whopping 5 million people.

How has Nordic walking received such a level of attention? By making the upper body do its work as well as the lower, it has taken a step towards ordinary fitness walking or running to a new level — enabling the body to burn up to 50% more calories without having to walk faster or longer.

Nordic walking includes several other benefits, such as:

1. Heart rate is about 13% or 5-17 beats higher than regular walking 2. Poles help traction on slippery surfaces, thus becoming a safety factor 3. Burns about 400 calories per hour, beating regular walking which only burns about 280 calories 4. Increased overall endurance 5. Aids in climbing hills and other elevated areas more easily 6. Improved balance and stability 7. Less stress applied on back and lower joints, thus lessening chances of injury 8. Lateral mobility of neck and spine is increased significantly, thus releasing muscle tension in these specific regions

Nordic walking, with the specific modified poles, is proving to be an overall bodily workout that caters to people of all levels, whether it's for rehabilitation or relaxing, weight management or increasing aerobic capacity, up to Nordic walking as a physical challenge. Of course, it is important to choose not just any poles for any Nordic walking activity. Here are some tips to choosing the best Nordic poles for your specific needs.

1. It must be sturdy and light enough to be able to bring anywhere.2. The grips should be comfortable and interchangeable.3. Asphalt paws are more efficient at absorbing shock and gripping.4. Straps must be specifically designed allowing for easier transfer of power and weight. When deciding the height or length of these poles, the elbows are just perpendicular to the poles when held by the grip with the tip on the ground.

Nordic walking will need some getting used to, therefore specific training is advised. With Nordic walking gaining more and more walkers every day, looking for an instructor is not hard to find. There is an organization on this sport called International Nordic Walking Association which aims to unite all Nordic walkers out there. If your country is a participant, you can probably find a Nordic walking session somewhere. Otherwise, why don't you go and pioneer Nordic walking in your city.

Nordic walking seems to be something that will very well take over the world with its ski poles and a promise of overall body fitness. It just might be the next big thing — showing no signs of going away soon.

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The landscape in the different areas is as a result of thousands of years of changing climate. The most significant period that resulted in the current landscape was the last ice age where most of the area now known as Britain was covered in a huge ice sheet. As the ice sheet moved across the United Kingdom it cut great swathes through the landscape. These changes were then further developed as the receding melt water flooded down the newly cut glacial valleys cutting rivers, gorges and valleys. Big piles of rock that had been caught up in the ice sheet were also dropped back onto the landscape creating moraines which are a regular feature of the current British Landscape.

The UK has been exceptionally well mapped and various scales of map are available and cover the whole of the UK. The National Parks in particular are extremely well mapped. It is always advisable to carry a good local map when you go walking and a compass, whistle and waterproof jacket (British weather is famously changeable).

Footpaths are generally well signposted but in some more remote areas this may not be the case. For the best sign posted routes it is best to stick to the large national routes that are maintained by national government.

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Long-distance walking events help get you in shape–and if you walk for a good cause, your stroll can raise funds for groups that need it. An added bonus: Walking as part of a team can increase the enjoyment, keep you focused and build great friendships.

But what is a walking team? In the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, teams include two people or dozens-women and men, neighbors, colleagues, family, spouses or new acquaintances, from the same town or across the country-who share a commitment to taking personal steps (literally) in the fight against breast cancer.

One team that takes humor in stride is the "Back of the Pack Walkers." It consists of nearly 10 women who come together each year for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Washington, D.C. They walk in memory of a friend, Robyn Cain, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2004. Team Captain Candi Hoffman says that "after spending so much time together, training and at the Walk, I consider the girls on my team to be some of my closest friends."

"Team Maureen" is a fixture at the Avon Walk Chicago, with team members participating as walkers, volunteers and cheerleaders, all in bright green shirts. According to Donna Lahey, "Team Maureen" Walker Captain, the 2006 team has 64 members from age 1 to 81. The team is named for Maureen Buescher, who died of breast cancer in 2002. It includes family and friends who walk for their own health and the health of all women.

Mike McElduff has put a unique spin on the team concept by leading "Team Peggy's Spirit," named for his mother, at all eight Avon Walk events across the country from April to October. "Peggy's Spirit" includes McElduff's siblings, friends and solo walkers who are seeking camaraderie as they tackle the long walk.

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You name it, we have it, and it's getting worse. Heart and cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, out of control blood sugar levels, diabetes, obesity, and more. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends getting at least 20-30 minutes of moderate activity each day and many of us are falling far short of even that.

Studies show the average person takes about 3000 to 5000 steps a day, and some even much less. Let's face it, we just do not get the exercise our ancestors did a hundred or so years ago and we tend to eat more refined foods. For some of us, most of steps we take are from the easy chair in front of the TV to the fridge so we can fill up on snacks. For others, like me, we sit at a computer all day as part of our jobs.

Many fitness experts recommend we walk 10,000 steps a day to maintain our weight and overall good health. 10,000 steps are approximately 5 miles, give or take depending on the length of your stride. You will need to purchase and wear a pedometer to count how many steps you take each day. Follow the directions that usually come with the pedometer. Do this for a week or two and you will get a good average step count. Your goal is to reach 10,000 or more steps each day. There is nothing magical about 10,000, but it will put you in the right ballpark.

As a general rule, a person will burn about 100 calories walking a mile, depending on age, size, and fitness level. The heavier you are, the more calories you will burn.

Become creative on ways to increase your steps. At work, go for walks at lunchtime. Go for walks with your spouse or children. Walk the dog. Walk to the store instead of driving, or park at the far end of the parking lot. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. For me, I take brisk 2-mile walks around the neighborhood twice a day everyday (aerobic walking). Just do whatever works best for you, but do it! You will need good walking shoes and socks to prevent injury when walking for exercise (like aerobic walking).

Go to your favorite search engine and type in "10,000 steps" to learn more about this life saving, life changing program. The information is abundant.

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