Controlled eating habits and sufficient physical activity are the two instruments in the struggle against overweight.

It means a decrease in the intake of calories and an increase in the burning of calories. It is a perfect combination, and all that is necessary to achieve a healthy weight.

As is the case with changing eating habits, changing your level of activity should also be properly planned. A sudden increase could cause injuries or even worse. It is for this reason that a personal trainer begins with a comprehensive physical assessment before starting to train a client.

Being regular active is essential for your health. The benefits are enormous. It not only helps to reduce body fat, it affects health in many other positive ways as well. To mention only a few, it:

• reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease,
• keeps resting blood pressure low,
• lowers the risk of developing diabetes,
• increases muscular strength,
• strengthens bones, tendons, ligaments and joints,
• increases resting metabolism,
• improves body image and self esteem,
• assits in stress management.

What type of activity is appropriate? And what should the frequency, intensity and duration be? These questions are not easy to answer for they depend on your current level of fitness.

Canada's Physical Activity Guide offers a lot of information useful for reference.

Any form of activity burns calories and therefore contributes to weight loss, but it is important to realize that not just any type, intensity, time and frequency of activity benefits your health effectively, efficiently and continuously.

Be sure to have a proper plan before you start. A plan that includes the topics "eating habits" and "perseverance". It is your best guarantee that you reach your goal safely and in a reasonable time.