by Wayne Clist

Created on: June 20, 2009   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

In today's body and health conscious society much emphasis is placed on the saying 'healthy body - healthy mind'. If the press are not highlighting obesity and inactivity in today's teens then they are berating the general level of activity undertaken by the middle or old aged. Make no mistake, it is vitally important to retain a certain standard of cardio vascular and muscular fitness in order for the human body to function correctly and without niggling health problems associated with poor levels of fitness but exercise takes many forms and can be done with or without the aid of expensive equipment.

Gym membership is generally seen as the preserve of the young and super fit; pictures in magazines and on TV of lines of running machines and aerobic contraptions being used by lithe, perfect looking robots serve only to reinforce that image. Gyms can be intimidating places especially for the first time user. Surrounded by athletes is it any wonder that body envy is brought to the fore. Gym membership is also expensive and in today's economy who has the money to waste on attending a shrine to Adonis. In any case, although gyms would have you think so, it's not vitally important to attend one to be fit and healthy.

There are a whole host of things you can do to increase the general level of fitness and health at home without expensive equipment. The first would be to increase the general level of activity that you manage in a day. Normal household chores are a form of activity and can be a very effective way to slowly increase cardio and muscular fitness levels. Whatever age or sex just making a few changes to your daily activity can be a good way to get fitter. Below are a couple of tips that can be used to good effect:

1 Walk or cycle rather than drive.
Because everything today is done at a breakneck pace there tends to be an overreliance on the automobile. Rather than driving to work or the shops get out of the car and walk or cycle instead. This is a small change but one that will make a huge difference to your cardiovascular fitness. The benefit of twenty minutes walking cannot be underestimated. Walking of course puts very little stress on the joints and is often an enjoyable experience, allowing you to slow down and pay attention to things around you.

2 - Eat healthier foods.
The old adage of eating five portions of fruit and veg a day is a good one to follow. Over reliance on convenience foods means that there will also be a lack of the bodies required

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