How to Learn Fitness & Nutrition

Every year, more and more people are becoming overweight. It is important to learn the basics of nutrition and exercise to be in control of your health.

Things You'll Need

• Books
• Magazines
• Classes at a community college
• Nutritionist
• Physician
• Gym membership

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Instructions

Learn About Nutrition and Fitness

• 1

  Get a good overview of nutrition by reading nutritional books. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" by Phyllis A. Balch and the "American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutritional Guide" by Roberta Larson Duyff are good places to start. There also are a host of books dealing with specific issues, such as gluten-free diets and eating for your blood type, as well as nutritional guides designed for both men and women.

• 2

  Subscribe to nutritional magazines such as "Shape," "Men's Health" and "Eating Well." You will find an array of information, recipes and exercise techniques. Try different meal plans that incorporate whole grains, lean proteins and a variety of vegetables and fruits. Be careful when experimenting with exercise recommendations: Articles don't take your medical history into account, and certain exercises may exacerbate an old injury. Check with your physician before beginning any exercise regimen.

• 3

  Join a gym and get an evaluation from a personal trainer. Find out how much body fat you have and what you can do to lose or maintain your weight. Compared to home workouts, gyms give you the ability to ask fitness professionals for help. You also will have access to more equipment and be able to exercise a wider array of muscle groups. Check out different workout classes. Many people give up their workout routine because of boredom. At a gym, you will have the capacity to expand your social circle, have an instructor correct your form, and push your body to experience new moves. Yoga classes are wonderful for relieving stress; numerous gyms offer them.

• 4

  Check your community college for nutritional classes. Many colleges offer lower fees for students who "audit" a class, and only plan to attend it vs. also turning in classwork assignments (usually, an audited class is worth fewer college credits). People retain information through seeing, hearing, reading and experiencing. Classes give you all four sensory options, as well as the chance to ask questions.

• 5

  Get a checkup with your physician. Ask about your optimal weight. Everyone has a different bone structure, and your doctor can help you learn about yours. Your physician also can recommend appropriate exercise regimens ideal for your health. Getting a routine checkup will ferret out any underlining problems and help you understand what you need to do to be healthy.

• 6

  Make an appointment with a nutritionist. Ask your doctor or call a local hospital to get a referral. Interview your nutritionist. You should have a great rapport with her and feel as though she can make solid recommendations. Some nutritionists specialize in a certain field, like adolescence, diabetes or women's health. Sessions with a nutritionist usually cost at least $40 an hour. They can make a huge impact on your nutritional routine.