Living without exercise is like smoking a pack of cigarettes a day

I wrote in a previous article that 80% of African American women are overweight or obese. I also mentioned the main reason why the number is so high is because of the lack of exercise.

Living without exercise is like smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.

There are many ways to get in shape. Here are eight that will help you take your body to the next level:

1. Walking - walking just three times a week for 30 minutes can significantly strengthen your heart.

2. Boxing - An excellent way to get in shape; you will burn fat and get cut up. A boxing workout is guaranteed to whip you into shape while learning the “Art of Boxing.”

3. Boot Camp – A fast-paced military-style outdoor workout that combines calisthenics, such as push-ups, jumping jacks, sit-ups, sprints and football-style drills. Alternating quickly between movements helps you to get in shape faster.

4. Kettlebell Training – A Kettlebell is a cast iron weight lifting equipment with a handle. This trend is a combination of strength and endurance training, and will challenge every muscle in your body.

5. 5 K Training - Helps you build your endurance and conditioning so you can run continually for 3.1 miles.

6. Zumba - is becoming a very popular fitness trend. This dance-fitness program with more than 10 million people of all shapes, sizes and ages taking weekly Zumba classes in over 90,000 locations across more than 110 countries. Zumba is so much fun that you forget that you are exercising.

7. Weight Training – Enhances overall appearance and body composition, which can directly influence your self-esteem and level of confidence.

8. Bodyweight Training - Bodyweight calisthenics can be done anywhere, indoors or out, anytime, day or night. You can do bodyweight exercises with no equipment. Nothing to buy; you can start right now.

These fitness trends are a great way to get fit and develop a sense of achievement. These trends are also good for developing quick thinking, reaction skills, and are also lots of fun. Another benefit of these trends is it is a great way to make friends.

The Benefits of Boxing

I recently met with actor and dancer Darrin Henson to talk about my favorite subject FITNESS.

Henson, who played "Lem Van Adams" in the Showtime series Soul Food and "Grant" in the movie Stomp The Yard is a fitness buff and uses boxing as a workout technique for his busy schedule.

Staying in shape is a must for Henson, who is currently working on three films -

The Express where in plays running back Jim Brown, will be released later this year. The other two films - Blood Done Sign My Name and Tekken will be released in 2009.

We both agreed that the benefits from boxing are endless. Here are 10 reasons to incorporate boxing into your fitness plan.

1. You stay motivated and committed to a fun and challenging workout.
2. You reduce total body-fat percentage and strengthen muscular system
3. You build confidence and a sense of well-being
4. You improve the ability to relax, to keep calm and poised under high pressure

5. You develop discipline

6. You will tone muscles

7. You will increase endurance and stamina

8. You will improve flexibility and balance

9. You will improve co-ordination
10. You will burn fat and loose weight

A good boxing workout not only will make you feel like a Champ, but you will also make you feel like a MVP!

The Latest Fitness Trends

Exercising is great for the mind, body, and soul and helps us look good, feel youthful and energetic.

Exercising helps reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels; it helps keep bones strong, improve concentration and sleep, and even provides benefits for the immune system.

Sometimes many exercisers get bored and fall into a slump with their fitness plan. There are a number of fitness crazes and trends, ranging from group exercise classes to equipment type to help keep you motivated. Here are some of today's popular fitness activities and what they can offer you.

Boot Camp

What: Boot Camp is a four week program of fitness instruction and motivation. Exercises include: calisthenics, sprints, resistance band training, jump roping, crunches, assessment testing, hill running, agility and power drills, sports drills, stair climbing and partner drills.

The Take: “I have dropped pounds, inches and actually enjoyed every minute of my boot camp time,” says Shelia Simmons of St. Louis. “And the people are fun to be around and there was really great camaraderie.”

Pluses: You work out with a fitness expert who offers tips throughout the class on proper form and techniques. Equipment is provided and is a great way to burn calories. For more information on MVP Boot Camps in St. Louis, go to http://www.mvpfitness.net/.

Minuses: Aching muscles are likely.

Personal Training

What: A personal trainer is someone whose entire job is to provide one-on-one fitness training to their client.

The Take: Trainers will assess your individual fitness level and help you set goals, whether it's to build muscle by weightlifting, lose fat with cardiovascular workouts, or both.Once you hire a personal trainer, you will usually meet them for hourly sessions one, two or three times a week. It's possible to work with a trainer more often, but most people can't afford the cost. Single sessions cost between $25 and $90.

Pluses: Great way to stay motivated and learn new techniques. The trainer also pushes you so your body achieves maximum results.

Minuses: Cost.

Boxing Gyms

What: A high-energy cardiovascular workout set to upbeat music. Participants punch and kick a heavy bag, jump rope and do push-ups.This is a full-body workout geared to tone and slim the arms, legs and waist, while burning hundreds of calories.

The Take: The Boxing workout is a fun class with a party atmosphere. It includes bouts of intense intervals with easy to follow combinations, kickbox-specific strength and endurance training, ending with cool-down.

Pluses: You'll love the camaraderie and the music.

Minuses: The class moves at a fast pace and for those who are not coordinated or aren't familiar with the basic moves, it can be intimidating.


Kettlebells

What: Kettlebells are taking the world of Strength and Conditioning by storm. Athletes are overwhelming their opponents with unrelenting strength and endurance.

The Take: A Kettlebell is a traditional Russian cast iron weight that looks like a cannonball with a handle. A Kettlebell work out is better suited for developing strength and flexibility simultaneously.

Pluses: An excellent way to for athletes to get stronger and faster.

Minuses: Expense and availability. Kettlebells are hard to find in fitness specialty stores and in most cases must be ordered. A pair of 35 pound Kettlebells will cost $75.00 plus, add on another $50 for shipping.