getting started:  facts + fiction of exercise

**The following article was written by guest contributor, Beverly Schaefer.**

Immediately, we start thinking about what ab exercises will best work to tone up. Start slow.

Let’s start with some facts and fiction.

Fact: Exercise doesn’t burn fat. Exercise burns calories, which in turn, reduces fat. Our ab muscles are under the fat.

Fiction: Ab exercises will get rid of the “belly fat.”

Fact: The healthiest way to reduce “belly fat” and overall body fat is to reduce our calorie intake and increase cardio, strength and flexibility exercises.

Many of us think we already get plenty of exercise each day; for example:
“I run around after a 2-year-old all day.” or “With my job, I am on my feet all day” or “I walk nearly a 1/4 mile through the parking lot each day just to get into the office.” That is not exercise; that is your everyday routine.

Exercise is activity you do over and above your everyday routine. Walk 10 minutes down the street and back. Briskly stepping in place for 5 minutes, 4 times a day can give you the 20 minutes of activity you need to make a difference.
Gradually, you will want to do more and will make time for more when you see the improvement that even the smallest, focused effort can make. Go ahead. Try it. Be good to yourself.

Don’t forget to watch your diet and drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day.