Planning a fitness program should not be a complicated procedure that requires a degree in physical education. As long as you are aware of your own physical condition, the goals you want to reach and the exercises that fit well into your life, you should have no problem planning a simple fitness schedule that gets you where you want to go. Too many people are afraid to go out on their own in terms of exercise without a trainer but oftentimes trainers plan routines that are inconvenient or involve exercises that you just plain hate. Taking control of your fitness program frees you from time crunches and dreaded routines, so step right up and learn how to plan the perfect fitness schedule for you!

The first thing you consider should be your goals in a fitness program. If you are seeking to lose weight, your routine will be different from someone who is trying to lower cholesterol or train for a 5K simply because different goals require different approaches. Trying to train for a race while you are still twenty pounds overweight will only result in frustration because your body wants to deal with the excess weight first, and then build the endurance you need for a long-distance run. Maybe you have more than one goal that you want to accomplish. If that’s the case, consider which one is the most important and whether multiple goals can be achieved with the same workout program. Some goals can go hand in hand, such as training for a 5K and increasing your aerobic capacity. Goals that are similar in nature are much more likely to be accomplished with one program than are two goals that are vastly different. If your goals don’t parallel each other so well, identify your primary objective and focus on that. Secondary goals can wait and may even become easier when the primary reason is accomplished. Whatever the scenario may be, figure out what you want from your fitness program and then plan accordingly.

When you want to accomplish weight loss, whether five pounds or fifty, you will need to plan a fitness schedule with at least four days of cardiovascular activity, incorporate strength training, and eat a healthy diet that is low in calories, fat and sodium. Weight loss can be a challenge and requires a different mindset than training for an athletic event or focusing on lowering blood sugar. You must stay encouraged even on the days when you don’t see change. To see consistent weight loss, you should count on at least four days of cardiovascular activity and three to four days of strength training. The more effort you put into your program, the faster you will see results. Choose aerobic exercises that you enjoy to make working out more pleasant. If you hate spinning then you’re really not going to enjoy four hours of spinning class weekly. People who prefer to exercise alone may choose not to use a gym or to go during off-hours, while others may seek out the busiest times in order to have the most social contact during exercise. It’s important to choose what fits you best, not what your mom thinks or what all the magazines are saying. For strength training, plan to spend time in the weight room at the gym or else purchase your own weights for use at home. Once you’ve identified activities that fit you, take out your daily planner and assess your schedule to find free time. Maybe you can do any hour of power-walking a couple of days during the week and take an aerobics class on the weekend. Figure out what will work best with your schedule but remember to factor in a couple of free days. One of the most important parts of a fitness routine is flexibility – if your plan isn’t flexible, you won’t stick with it.

For fitness plans that aimed at training for an event, the best way to start is by figuring out how much time is left before the event. Ideally this should be at least two months to allow adequate preparation time depending on your fitness level. If you run on a regular basis and have participated in 5K races, you may want to challenge yourself by running a 10K. When the distance is doubled, one of the best ways to calculate preparation time is to double the time frame for training. If you would normally train six weeks for a 5K, train twelve weeks for a 10K. Allowing your body to gain strength and endurance gradually is easier on the system than waiting until four weeks before race day and forcing yourself to run a wildly accelerated training schedule.

Perhaps you just want to increase your aerobic capacity or tone up an area of the body. Improving your body’s performance is best done slowly to allow yourself enough time to adjust and recover from your workouts. Plan to spend at least 45 minutes four to five days weekly working on your aerobic endurance or muscle tone. Muscle builds itself best when it has adequate time to heal, so factor in enough rest days. In terms of building your aerobic endurance, you should plan to allow eight to twelve weeks for measurable improvement (though you may be able to tell a difference before then). Body toning, though, can be much quicker – some areas, such as the legs and buttocks, will respond very quickly and show improvement within three to four weeks. Solid muscle, however, will take anywhere from six weeks to ten weeks to begin to show.

By taking control of your fitness plan and personalizing it to your own needs, you can make your exercise routine work twice as well. That means your body will be stronger and leaner in half the time as otherwise. Having a healthy, beautiful body is what making your fitness schedule is all about.

Many busy professionals feel that working out isn’t worth the time unless they can exercise for forty minutes or longer and it’s true that many healthcare workers and government agencies used to recommend that all adults get thirty consecutive minutes of aerobic exercise per day. But this is the twenty-first century and the fact of the matter is that you don’t have to do all your exercise at once to reap the health benefits. Research has shown that short, intense exercise segments throughout the day are just as effective as longer workouts at burning calories, increasing cardio endurance and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. Even as little as five minutes can go a long way towards balancing hormones in the body and making you a happier person – is that great or what? You no longer have to worry about finding a large block of free time to work out; just take a coffee break and in five minutes you can feel totally rejuvenated.

One of the greatest things about shorter workouts is that they have tremendous potential to reshape your body with a minimum time commitment. Incorporating strength training exercises into your daily schedule is a powerful tool for both heart health and muscle strength. Spend five minutes doing lower body exercises and after several weeks you can tell a difference. Spend ten minutes on a power workout and results will show up in three weeks or less. Use the following ten-minute express workouts on a regular basis for a month and you will see remarkable changes in your body’s strength. You can do these workouts in your office with the door closed or, if your office is a cubicle, in the restroom or some other private area. Do whatever is necessary for you to fit in your exercise time at work.

Express Workout 1: Hips and Thighs

Hips and thighs can be a frustrating area to shape up especially for women. Thanks to the physiological design of female bodies, fat tends to be stored in the thighs and hips and can be very resistant to toning efforts. Perform this routine three to four times weekly in conjunction with aerobic exercise and your body will begin to reshape in six to ten weeks.

Squats: Squats are performed by standing with feet about shoulder-width apart and arms by sides. Keep strong posture and slowly lower buttocks as though about to sit down in a chair. Lower several inches and then slowly raise.

Pliès: Adopted from ballet, pliès are performed by standing with feet just wider than shoulder-width and toes pointed outward. With a hand on a chair or wall for balance, slowly drop body straight down for several inches and then come back up. To increase intensity, on the final pliè, stay in a lowered position and slowly pulse your body up and down about an inch. This fatigues the muscle faster.

Lunges: Lunges are performed by standing with feet about shoulder-width apart and hands on hips. Stand tall and take a large step forward with one foot, and remain in that position. Turn your back foot up until balanced on the toes and then slowly lower your body until your front knee forms a right angle. Slowly raise your body back up. Repeat on each side.

Leg Stretches: Stand with feet about shoulder-width apart and one hand holding a chair or wall for balance. Raise one foot behind you and reach back with your hand, grab the foot and gently pull it towards your buttocks. This stretches the quadriceps muscle on the front of the leg. Repeat with each leg.

For stretching the calf muscle, place one foot slightly in front of you and point your toes up, balancing on the heel. Keep your weight on the foot that is not being stretched. Repeat on both sides.

All times are approximate.

0:01 – 1:00 – Begin by walking briskly in place to warm up the muscles. Warming the muscles makes them pliable and will allow you to work longer.

1:01 – 3:00 – Perform as many squats as possible in two minutes.

3:01 – 4:00 – Rest for one minute.

4:01 – 6:00 – Perform as many pliès as possible in two minutes.

6:01 – 7:00 – Rest for one minute.

7:01 – 9:00 – Perform as many lunges (both legs) as possible in two minutes.

9:01 – 10:00 – Recovery and stretching.

Express Workout 2 – Arms and Shoulders

Building strength in your upper body is a vital part of any workout plan and fortunately it can be a fairly easy area to strengthen. Powerful arms are important for both men and women to assist with everyday life – it’s surprising how many typical daily tasks require using the shoulders, back and arms. By building those muscles, you will take some of the daily stress of your body. This 10-minute express workout develops the biceps, triceps, upper back muscles and shoulders.

Bicep Curls: Curls are done by standing with your feet about shoulder-width apart and weights in both hands. Tuck your elbows firmly against your sides with palms facing forward. Slowly raise the weight almost to your shoulder for a count of 5 and then lower it, again for a count of 5.

Overhead Press: The overhead press is performed by standing with feet about shoulder-width apart and a straight back, holding a weight in each hand. Bring the hands up to the shoulders and then slowly lift up for a count of 5. Raise the weights until the arm is almost fully extended; then release and lower downward.

Triceps Raise: Stand tall with feet slightly more than shoulder-width. With weights in hands, lift straight overhead until almost fully extended. Turn palms inward to face each other. Slowly begin to lower the weight down toward your back until the elbow forms a right angle; then raise the weight.

Forward Press: Standing with feet a few inches past shoulder-width. With weights in hands, bring up to shoulders. Slowly press the weights forward; then pull back. Be sure to keep arms level with shoulders and move forward and back slowly.

Stretches: Stretch the arms by raising your arms overhead, dropping one hand behind your head and using the other hand to gently press the elbow back to stretch the triceps muscle. Repeat with the other arm. Next, raise both arms overhead, lace fingers together and press arms outward. Lastly, bring one arm across the front of your body and use the other hand to press the arm against the body to stretch the biceps muscle.

0:01 – 0:30 – Warm up

0:31 – 2:30 – Perform as many slow, quality biceps curls as possible within two minutes.

2:31 – 3:00 – Rest for thirty seconds.

3:01 – 5:00 – Begin overhead raises and complete as many quality raises as possible within two minutes.

5:01 – 5:30 – Rest for thirty seconds.

5:31 – 7:30 – Complete as many accurate triceps presses as possible within two minutes.

7:31 – 8:00 – Rest for thirty seconds.

8:01 – 10:00 – Complete as many properly done forward presses as possible within two minutes.

Extra time: Stretch if you have time available.

Express Workout 3 – Abdominal Muscles

Having strong core muscles is crucial to protecting the spine and maintaining good posture. When your body is supported by strong central muscles it’s easier to perform everyday tasks as well as exercise. Abdominal workouts won’t flatten the stomach – that requires aerobic exercise – but they will strengthen and tone the muscles.

Basic Curls: Perform the basic curl by lying on your back with knees bents. Place your fingertips at your ears and use your stomach muscles to pull yourself about five or six inches. Slowly lower back down. Avoid using momentum to perform the exercises.

Cross-Curls: Begin in basic curl position. Contract stomach muscles and lift to the right as you bring your right elbow to your left knee. Switch and bring left elbow to right knee.

Bicycle: Begin in basic curl position but prop your upper body up on your elbows. Straighten your legs and then raise both legs several inches off the floor. Pull your right leg in to your body; then extend it as you pull in your left leg. Continue doing so; thus “bicycling.”

Rope Climb: Begin in basic curl position. Raise your legs straight up into the air while keeping your upper body flat on the floor. Using your abdominals to lift your upper back off the floor, use your hands and arms to pretend you are climbing a rope. Grasp the “rope” with your right hand as you bring your right side off the floor; then switch and use your left hand.

Stretches: Lie on your stomach with hands at about shoulder-height. Slowly use your hands to lift your upper body off the floor and stretch your abdominals.

0:01 – 2:00 – Perform as many well-done basic curls as possible within two minutes.

2:01 – 2:30 – Rest for thirty seconds.

2:31 – 4:30 – Complete as many accurate cross-curls as possible within two minutes.

4:31 – 5:00 – Rest for thirty seconds.

5:01 – 7:00 – “Bicycle” for two minutes.

7:01 – 7:30 – Rest for thirty seconds.

7:31 – 9:30 – “Climb” the “rope” for two minutes.

9:31 – 10:00 – Stretch the abdominal muscles.

Weak and painful knees can be the result of injury, over-stress or simply genetics, but the aching truth is that bad knees can seriously limit your workouts. Knee replacement surgery is not recommended except in absolutely vital situations and the cost is prohibitive to the average exerciser, and many people eventually give up on ever being able to carry on a normal fitness program. There is good news, though: think outside the box of normal exercise and there are still plenty of options that don’t place as much stress on the knee joint. You may not be able to run a marathon but you can still build a healthy body without totally ruining your knees.

Yoga is an excellent option for achy knees. The activity has gained in popularity since the 1990’s, not simply because it can be very relaxing but because it builds strength without putting the body under duress. Even professional sports players now incorporate yoga practice into everyday fitness because of the benefits for both mind and body. Most yoga studios will offer classes that are as low-stress as possible, so call around and talk to some of the staff to find out. Explain that you are looking specifically to avoid strain on the knees – qualified yoga practitioners will be able to tell you if their studio will meet your needs. You can almost always observe a class for free and typically you will be allowed to take one free session, so make the most of this consumer advantage to identify if this is an exercise and class that you enjoy.

You may not have a local yoga studio or simply have no interest in taking outside classes – no problem! The teacher will simply come to you. There are literally hundreds of yoga videos on the market today, many of them specifically designed with bad knees in mind, so all you have to do is find the video that suits you best. Do an internet search for specific videos and read reviews from other users. If you order through a catalog, you frequently are allowed a grace period in which to try the video out and return it if it is unsuitable. Once you have found a video that fits your lifestyle and appeals to you, watch the video several times to learn the rhythm of the instructor and become comfortable with the pace of the movements. Learning the poses ahead of time makes your practice with the video much easier. Once you’ve got the hang of your yoga video, practice with it three times during the week to begin with and then as your strength increases, practice more until you have a daily routine built up. Yoga is a very gentle exercise but you will be amazed at the changes you see in your body within the first two or three weeks.

If you really do want the teacher to physically come to you, many professionals are available for private at-home sessions for a price. It may be expensive, so consider splitting the price and sharing the instructor with two or three friends. The practice is still private and the teaching is individual, but the price becomes much more manageable.

A practice similar to yoga is Pilates. Yoga focuses more on stretching and toning while maintaining deep breathing, but Pilates focuses on building strength. Originally developed by Joseph Pilates in a World War II concentration camp, the program uses a series of movements that employ the body’s weight as its resistance to train and strengthen muscles. Few movements require strain on the knees and the leg exercises can increase the strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles to better support the knee joints. The first movements of Pilates zero in on the “powerhouse” or core area to build muscle support for the spine. By having a strong midsection that can keep the upper body erect, you lessen the strain placed on the knees by poor posture. Pilates can correct and relieve many areas of stress for people with bad knees.

Find a practitioner in a similar way to yoga – call around to local studios to learn information about classes and instructors. Many Pilates studios frequently offer the same option as yoga studios and allow you to observe and even participate in a free class before making a decision about joining. Individual instructors are also available for private home lessons, though this can be more expensive than yoga depending on where you live. If you’re interested in home Pilates lessons, go in with some friends and have your own mini-class – since each person pays a portion of the total price, it costs you far less but still gives you wonderful individual attention.

Well, you say, yoga and Pilates are great for building muscle and strengthening the body but what about burning fat? There is some debate about the aerobic quality of Pilates and yoga practice with most people falling on the side of a decreased calorie burn. The exception would be Ashtanga yoga, which is very physical and hard on tender knees. Pilates ultimately builds your muscles, though using the Reformer machine can help increase heart rate. Reformers are still relatively rare in gyms and studios, and the cost is prohibitive for individuals, so it seems like it is back to square one. The solution is simple: start swimming! Swimming laps is a wonderful workout for everyone but especially for people with arthritis and tender joints because the water supports the body and decreases the pressure on the frame in favor of working the muscles and cardiovascular system. Add three days of thirty-minute swim workouts to your schedule and see the fat disappear while your muscles become strong and beautiful.

Have you ever felt tired and stressed out from work and by the time you get home you see your three children running towards you asking you to play basketball with them? You refused and promised them that you will after you take you rest.

Instead of disappointing your children, why not say, "yes" after all? You will be surprised by the amount of energy you will have after that 30-minute activity.

Did you know that by exercising at a moderate pace for only 30 minutes, you would feel a lot better, mentally? It has been proven that this improves the appetite and sharpens your style in problem solving. Not only that. You will also feel that it is easier to sleep at night if you do moderate exercises even for only 30 minutes every day.

What are the benefits of regular exercise? It promotes self-discipline and has a positive impact how you perceive life. Exercise helps in lifting your spirits and getting you out of any depression. For first timers, it can be done for 15 minutes for 2 to 3 days a week. You can increase the time you spend once your body gets tuned up for it.

DON'T you ever force your body! If you get hurt, then stop. You can take a break from exercising for a few days and then you can start again but you need to start from day 1.

Here are some moderate exercises you can do and enjoy:

1. Do the Walking. Make use of your surroundings. You can walk your dog, with your partner or child. Encourage your family to do the walking exercise daily and you will find yourself burning calories while enjoying the surroundings and getting enough sunlight that is also good for your body.

2. Discover the wonders of Yoga. Yoga is one effective exercise that energizes not only your body but also your soul. You may want to learn even the basic yoga positions that are not too complicated but proven effective. A five-minute yoga exercise can perk you up and recharge your body with the energy you lost for the whole day. You relax and at the same time you stretch!

3. Engage yourself into sports. Play basketball, football, baseball, tennis or badminton. Many doctors have recommended sports as an effective way to stay fit and healthy. Sports can also be done in moderation. Do not take it seriously. Shooting basketball with a friend is one moderate exercise that is also considered a sport.

4. Join exercise programs at work. If you still do not have exercises programs at work, then why not start it? You can talk to your boss about it and start with your colleagues. You do not only lose calories but it is also one good way to bond with them. This can be done 30 minutes, 3 times a week.

5. Exercise while doing household chores. Gardening, raking leaves, lawn mowing, doing the laundry, vacuuming and car washing are effective moderate exercises at home. Make use of these chores to sweat and burn calories. Instead of using machines and gadgets to perform these chores, why not do it with your hands and lose some fats?

Making exercises as part of your daily routines will surprise you of how much calories you will lose. Doing these moderate exercises of the same amount every day can burn 150 calories up to 1,000 calories a day!

The idea of exercise being a beneficial part of a healthy life has been around for some time, but only recently has that advice been offered to the aging population as well as the young population. In recent times, information has been presented to demonstrate that exercise is helpful to people of all ages and people with many different health needs. Creating and sticking with an exercise routine can help to stop or prevent a number of different health problems. Moreover, even a little exercise or activity can help aging seniors manage their health conditions. Seniors require four different types of exercise to stay healthy.

Strength exercises help to tone and build muscle tissue which in turn can help metabolic rates. Balance exercises help to build strength in the legs which can assist with the prevention of falls and other loss of balance issues. This can prevent a number of disabling injuries for seniors. Stretching exercises help to maintain the range of flexibility which can lead to a more active lifestyle. Endurance exercises raise the heart rate and breathing for a long period of time. Activities like jogging, walking, and swimming fit in this category. The most important part of incorporating exercise into life is choosing the right activity for you.

When you decide to begin choosing the appropriate exercise program for yourself, you must decide what you like to do best. If you have a personality type who enjoys the company of others in a team atmosphere, choose a team sport at a health club. If you prefer to be alone while exercising, consider solitary activities you might enjoy. You may love walking and hiking, but hate jogging. You may hate swimming but love biking. The important thing to remember is that any type of exercise can be tailored to fit your needs.

If, in your younger days, you enjoyed riding a bicycle, but you can't get on a bike now, consider purchasing a recumbent bike and watching movies while you exercise. The most important thing to remember is just to engage in the activity you enjoy as often as possible. You could follow the same routine each day or vary it from day to day. You may decide to ride a stationary bike for fifteen minutes then engage in some gardening for a while. This variation not only ensures that you are meeting all of your exercise needs; it also makes the process more interesting. A gym facility is a good idea for folks who enjoy working out with other people is a social atmosphere. It is, however, not necessary. If you are unable to afford it, don't wait until you have the money to join a health club to begin exercise. Working out should not necessarily involve high priced clothing or toys. Exercise, at its very core, involves simple self-discipline.

Walking is a good choice for most people for a number of reasons. One reason it is so popular is that it requires little in the way of preparation. No gadgets or expensive clothing are required. A sturdy pair of walking shoes will take you a long way to meeting your exercise goals. If you decide to shop for walking shoes, do it at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest. You should also try them on and test them out in the store before you purchase them. If they feel uncomfortable in the store, don't take them home with the belief that you'll get used to them. It will only increase your level of soreness. Additionally, there is a very low risk of injury associated with walking. It is relatively harmless on the joints as one foot is always on the ground. Therefore, when the other foot strikes the ground, it carries little more than a person's total body weight with it. Another benefit to walking is that it can be done anywhere. You can walk in the comfort of a shopping mall, a local high school track, or a nature trail. Wherever you decide to walk, though, be sure you have your personal safety in mind. Walking can reduce stress by refreshing your brain and increasing your energy level. If you decide to walk, try to walk at a pace you can maintain for the entirety of the walk. Slow down if you feel any type of pain or any shortness of breath.

Whatever exercise program you choose, be sure to include a warm up period and a cool down session in your exercise routine. Stretching your arms and legs will increase your level of flexibility and decrease your level of soreness.