Success Maxims (Part 13)

Kasper & Associates maintains faith in the American spirit and we believe in the power of positive thinking.  To that end, we’ve established a monthly posting to our blog – Success Maxims — a collection of our favorite motivational quotes, essays and leadership advice.  (For a complete collection, e-mail your mailing address to contact@kasperassociates.com.)

SUCCESS MAXIMS

–Part 13–

Fitness Facts

(Dr. Kenneth Cooper; Physician, Author)

1. Fitness is a journey, not a destination.  It must be continued for the rest of your life.

2. You can’t store fitness.  It’s what you did yesterday that counts, not what you did six months ago.

3. The older you are, the longer it takes to get into shape, and the faster you lose it.

4. Remember to warm up before you exercise.  But even more important is to cool down after exercise for at least five minutes.  Sixty-five percent of severe heart attacks occur during recovery, not during exercise.

5. There is nothing known to man that totally protects against coronary artery disease, whether it is medicine, surgery or marathon running.

6. If you are running more than 15 miles a week, you are running for something more than cardiovascular fitness.

7. A good exercise program is the foundation of any good wellness program, but it must be in conjunction with proper weight, proper nutrition and proper supplementation.  That’s called 21st century medicine.

8. A person who is physically fit is less likely to be depressed or a hypochondriac.  He or she has a better self-image, a more positive attitude toward life and fewer somatic (bodily) complaints.

9. I consider the top five aerobics exercises to be cross-country skiing, swimming, jogging or running, cycling and walking.  Among those, just about anyone, regardless of age or gender, can exercise safely and effectively.

10. The first step of any exercise program is to avoid inactivity.  Collectively, 30 minutes of activity most days of the week has been shown to have great health and longevity benefits.

11. Weightlifting and muscle-building exercises must be done in conjunction with, not in place of, a primary aerobic fitness program.