I want to be healthy before high school..?

Question

I'm currently in 8th grade and I want to lose weight and get toned before high school next year and i want to be able to do sports and stuff. I've been eating healthy and walking my dog. what are other things I can do to be in shape for high school? I might to track and cross country or even cheerleading so what are some excercises i should do so that im ready?

Answer 1

Keeping a food journal really does help.  It will give you a much better sense of how much you are eating, and when, and why.

Make a few small changes - walk everywhere, always use stairs instead of elevators, walk on escalators, get up and move around at least once an hour if your work or your life in general is sedentary, walk every day, use a pedometer. Walking 10,000 steps a day is a really good idea. Build up to a long brisk walk everyday, or most days.  Be more active and watch less TV and spend less time on the computer.  As you are able to walk more, you may want to build up to jogging or running, but ask the gym teacher at your school for advice about this.

Start a weight lifting routine. It will help increase your metabolism and make you feel and look better in so many ways. Join a gym. Possibly you can find one that has someone who specializes in weight lifting programs for beginners. Weight lifting will increase your metabolism as well as improve posture and appearance overall.

In terms of diet, cut out or reduce things like junk food, pop, fat, fast food. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, fish.   Particularly if you choose a vegetarian lifestyle include natural peanut butter, hummus, dried fruit and nuts.  Pay close attention to getting the nutrients your body needs to be healthy.  Drink plenty of water, at least 8 big glasses a day, and more if it is very hot, it you sweat a lot, or if you are exercising intensely. You will begin to see changes in your body.

Check out websites about nutrition, exercise, weight training, etc.  Here are a couple of helpful links.

http://www.nutrawatch.com/

http://www.caloriesperhour.com/

http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_ea...

http://weightloss.about.com/cs/fitness/a...

http://www.thepumpingstation.com/trainin...

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/fe...

Answer 2

running, swimming, umm anything.  google it

Answer 3

Hey! Im so excited that your taking the time to do this!  Some things I do to stay in shape are pushups, sit ups, and run.  Music helps a lot when I work out!  The best thing to do is not pressure yourself to much just have fun. I hang out with my friends and jump on their trampoline.  

Hope this helped!

Answer 4

Hi Sara Elizabeth

I suggest that in your case you should start swimming. It's really powerful, in particular if you want to be a cheerleader. There is no much time so... just do it.

Regards