MEANT TO BE UNFIT?

Dear Jellybean,

Running is my least favorite thing to do, but I know I can't get in shape unless I do it. So I convinced two of my Besties to get in shape with me. After school I run in the halls Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On tuesdays one of them doesn't run, and on Fridays my other gal pal doesn't run, so I'm running four days and they're running three days.We sometimes do the mile, alternating jogging and walking, lunges, and sprinting. My closest gal pal was at the same 'fitness level' as I was. Now they're seeing results, and running is getting easier for them. Unlike them, it seems that I am not improving at the same rate as them. It doesn't make sense, because I do more work than them. Is there something wrong with me, or am I meant to be out of shape?

Thanks,
Not Improving

Dear Not Improving,

Nobody is meant to be out of shape, including you. But we all have different bodies, that respond differently to exercise. One person might get fit in a week, while it takes another person a month. It all depends on your natural abilities, how fit you were when you started exercising and genetic factors.

Diet also plays a part in this. If you aren't eating enough to fuel your workouts, you won't get fit as quickly. It seems backwards, but you actually have to eat more when you work out, or you won't get fit as fast. The trick is, you should be eating more GOOD foods - such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, low fat dairy, and healthy natural fats (like avacado and olive oil). Cutting out junk food, fried foods and caffiene can also give your body a jump on fitness. For more information about what foods your body needs to perform its best, check out the Canada's Food Guide at this link.

Keep up the exercise. It might take you longer than your friends to get fit, but you will eventually increase your fitness level. It's a habit worth sticking with.