Spring is an ideal time to jump on that fitness goal you set

Are you one of those people who made a New Year’s resolution to eat better and exercise more often, but have not yet lived up to this promise?

If you believe it’s too late to catch up, think again. May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month: a perfect opportunity to become active. When it comes to exercise and healthy lifestyle, there’s no

statute of limitations. It’s better to start late than not at all. The beauty of a regular exercise program is that it will benefit you no matter when you begin. The important thing is to make that first step — and keep going!

This will be welcome news to about

60 percent of American adults who studies show don’t get the recommended amount of physical activity — at least 150 minutes each week — and the more than 25 percent of adults who are not active at all.

Maybe these millions of people don’t realize a sedentary lifestyle is dangerous to their health. There is plenty of compelling evidence demonstrating that lack of exercise raises the risks of many serious medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, strokes, certain types of cancer, as well as obesity, which, in itself, can lead to a host of complications.

On the other hand, an active lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a healthy diet can prevent all the above diseases and even extend your lifespan.

Among some of the reasons cited for lack of exercise:

n Boredom with “same-old” gym routines

n Lack of motivation

n Uncertainty about which workouts are most effective.

These reasons should not be stumbling blocks on the road to health and fitness, however. I recommend finding a functional training program that will keep you more interested and motivated than a gym.

If you haven’t tried a boot camp, this is a good opportunity to do it, because it will offer you a different type of a workout environment, combined with very effective results. It is not dependent on a single piece of equipment or monotonous routines. It’s fun and variable, and will keep you on your toes.

A recent University of Wisconsin study examined the effectiveness of boot camp workouts. The biggest benefits included weight management — a one-hour session burns an average of 600 calories — exercises that build muscle strength, as well as a total-body fitness achieved through interval training.

It’s a great all-in-one exercise program practically anyone can benefit from. It will keep you energized, motivated and excited long after May’s physical fitness initiative is over.

Group fitness trainer and figure competitor Natalie Lahnan is a certified Adventure Boot Camp instructor with 17 years experience in the fitness and wellness industry. She operates Naples Adventure Boot Camp and Marco Island Adventure Boot Camp. Information is available at www.Naples AdventureBoot

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