The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter FROM helping to fight illness to improving one's mood, regular exercise makes for a healthy lifestyle, said local fitness coach, Jillian Bartlett. People should not fool themselves: if they do not make a decision to live healthy today, the situation will not get any better tomorrow. "Decision, action and discipline" are three key words to assist in developing daily exercise routines. "People must know the facts about exercising by simply changing their present bad habits. Not everyone is designed for all exercises; we are designed differently which means each person must search out which exercise and diet plan works for them," said Ms Bartlett. For the past four years, Ms Bartlett's has worked as a fitness coach at Club One Sandy Port. She said, while the pressures of work and family can be a problem for people wanting to get fit, they should remember, the rewards are worth it. "Keeping fit will make you a more productive person at home, on the job and as a country; your mind will become much clearer. You will be more productive on the job which means business productivity will flourish," said Ms Bartlett. In a country like the Bahamas where 70 per cent of the population is either overweight or obese, it is extremely important that people make an effort to carry out healthy lifestyles. According to Fitday.com, many forms of exercise can be difficult for obese persons, but there are still many options to choose from. It is possible to fight obesity with a simple exercise plans that increases the heart rate and helps the body burn fat. "Walking and jogging are two very good forms of exercise that can help you burn off body fat and lose weight. Swimming is also a good form of cardiovascular exercise that can tone your muscles while reducing the impact on your joints," the website stated. Ms Bartlett said exercise and proper nutrition go hand in hand, which also helps to combat obesity and related diseases. She said her inspiration to help people stay fit comes from the struggles of seeing family members of her own die from cancer, hypertension and suffer from diabetes. "The obesity rate in the Bahamas was alarming in the 80's and it's even worst today. I am constantly fighting for each person I train to change their lifestyle," said Ms Bartlett. "Who really wants to live with obesity for the rest of their lives. Exercise is the key and the physically benefits are outrageous. You have healthy hair and skin; you can move around quickly; your clothes fit better and you look like a million dollars," she said. When you think of exercise, the thought of countless hours working out in the gym, or running laps around a park comes to mind, but Ms Bartlett said one must start at a simple pace and ease into a routine workout. "As a trainer I love giving fitness assessments; it's amazing how much you learn about an individual and how much they are willing to learn. There are so many popular exercises, weight training and aerobic will never go out of style," said Ms Bartlett.