EatDrinkMadison.com is pleased to have Mike Tortorice, area manager for Anytime Fitness, submit this guest blog:

You see and hear about health almost everywhere you turn, yet the irony behind the whole wellness buzz is for many of us it still remains on our to do list. The health choices we make today have a significant impact on our quality of life we face for years to come.

The good news is we all have the ability to avoid being just another health statistic by making the proper health choices now. Routine fitness is becoming preventive health care for millions throughout the world and it works. That’s because it will help increases energy and reduces stress.

Routine fitness is a combination of cardiovascular training and basic strength and conditioning. Getting your heart rate up on a regular basis through simple activities like biking, jogging or even a brisk walk will go a long way. Having the proper balance of general strength training three times per week is also crucial.

Muscles in your body can deteriorate fast as you age, so just like changing the oil on your car every three months, your body needs to be maintained as well with basic weight training. This will increase your metabolism, which is the key to permanent fat loss. Being stronger can also help dramatically decrease injuries and arthritis while increasing flexibility.

Other benefits include supporting your ability to stand upright as you age, lower blood pressure, reduce risk of stroke, eliminate heart disease and diabetes, fight fatigue/depression and sleep better. Make today the day your health gets taken off you’re to do list.