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EXERCISE
PROGRAM FOR WEIGHT LOSS An exercise program is the foundation behind any commitment to improve one’s health. According to the American Heart Association, a 200-pound individual who consumes the same amount of calories but walks briskly each day for 1-2 miles will lose approximately 14 pounds per year. The following chart reveals the number of calories burned during a forty-five minute interval for various activities: 
Realistically, the calories an individual burns while walking his/her
1-2 miles is probably negated with the refreshing glass of Gatorade
consumed upon the completion of the walk. However, the commitment this
individual made to drag his/her body out of the warm bed at sunrise
to subject oneself to pain, will set a positive atmosphere for the entire
day. First, this individual’s metabolism will be in relative shock
racing to keep up with an energy expenditure that is usually not reached
until way in the late afternoon if reached at all. Secondly, this individual
is now developing a sense of self-worth and devotion towards his/her
goals. Donuts, sitting in the lobby at work, no longer represent the
same temptation nor will second helpings or late-night deserts. Thought
processes, such as, "Why should I negate all my early morning workouts
by consuming these unhealthy, fattening foods?" begin to dictate
actions in a positive manner. Individuals, who are creative in developing an exercise agenda, combining
physically challenging events in a social atmosphere, are more likely
to sustain their efforts over the long term. Research indicates that
individuals who include physical activity in their weight loss programs
are more likely to succeed in keeping the weight off.
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