Do you have at least 5 minutes a day?

A study published in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology has shown that even running for as little as 5 minutes a day can significantly lower a person's risk of dying prematurely. I don't know about you but 5 minutes a day seem pretty easy to accomplish and your heart will thank you for it. The heart needs to be exercised just like our biceps, triceps, quads and glutes if we want to maintain strong bodies.

If you don't want to run then try setting your timer for 5 minutes and go through a series of calisthenics like jumping jacks, running in place, jump roping or whatever floats your boat. Even if you don't belong to a gym, can't run 3 miles or just think you don't have the time, try the 5 minute workout and you might be surprised by the results. It might just add years to your life!

Taking enough time off from the workouts?

If you have been keeping with your New Year's Resolutions and hitting the gym every day, just remember that the body needs time to recover from intense workouts. To avoid burnout take at least one rest day a week. An easy walk will still burn calories but will give the muscles a much needed rest. If you are strength training you need to rest 48 hours in between workouts, unless you alternate upper and lower body days.

Great work if you are keeping up with your resolutions. With spring here you can enjoy the benefits of showing off those shapely legs and arms you have worked so hard to get. It's never to late to start a workout program. At any age a strength training program can benefit the bones and make the activities of daily living that much easier.