The most effective way to get into shape is through what I like to call “the triangle of health.” The three components of the triangle are healthy eating, cardiovascular exercise, and a balanced strengthening program. Stay away from fad diets or fancy pills claiming to help you lose weight at a fast pace. If you lose more than one to three pounds a week it will usually be a very short-lived weight loss. Start by making small and healthy dietary changes that you will be able to maintain. Cardiovascular exercise can help you get into shape because it helps to burn off some of those extra calories. A balanced strengthening routine that includes exercises for all the major muscle groups will speed up your metabolism and tone up those muscles. You can get good results by performing your strengthening routine as little as two times each week. Beware, if you leave a component of the triangle out the triangle is incomplete and your results will be limited. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting a fitness program.

Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer in Vancouver. For further information call his office at 604-420-7800.