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Trying to stay in shape is a better position for women to find themselves in than having to get into shape in the first place, as once a routine has been established, it is much easier to follow than having to establish a routine which they then have to adapt to. However, with many conflicting demands being made on women's time, staying in shape is not always a priority. With long working hours and a hectic family life, health and fitness often does not feature very highly on a woman's list of things to do.

It is important for women to pay more attention to their overall health and fitness levels, though, if they are going to live life to the full and continue to be there for their family well into the future. Staying in shape should not simply be a matter of women tying to look their best, but also about optimising their fitness levels so that they reduce their chances of developing heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and a myriad of other potential diseases.

When it comes to exercise, women should make sure they fit it into their schedule by whatever means possible. People tend to underestimate the importance of doing exercise at least five times a week, choosing to focus on their diet as the best way of staying slim, yet exercise has many health benefits besides enabling individuals to control their weight.

Many people picture an aerobics class or a workout at the local gym as providing the most effective way of staying in shape, though in reality the range of activities which can lead to physical exertion is much wider. From vigorously cleaning the house to sexual intercourse to gardening, if enough effort is put into an activity, it can become exercise. For women struggling to find the time, it is important to look for exercise wherever they can.

As well trying to increase the level of physical exertion within the home, busy women should also think about how they can incorporate exercise into the rest of their day. This could mean walking or cycling to work rather than taking the car, and walking up flights of stairs rather than taking a lift.

The more exercise that women do the more calories they will be able to consume without gaining weight, which may help to cancel out the occasional slab of chocolate cake or tub of ice cream. The main thing is to get the balance right between exercise and calorie intake. It is particularly important for women to recognise changes in their metabolic rate. They can consume more calories when they are in their twenties than when they have reached the age of menopause, and so their diet and exercise regime has to change to reflect this.

It is possible for anybody to stay in shape, so long as they make a conscious effort to do so. This can be particularly challenging for busy women who often have a lot to contend with in their lives, but ultimately it is in their best interests, and those of their families, for them to stay in shape for the sake of their health more than anything.

Learn more about this author, Michelle Wilkinson.
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