Whether or not the old saying is true – an apple a day may, in fact, keep the doctor away – one thing is true, regular exercise will also help.

A regular fitness routine that allows you to exercise your whole body will pay off, especially as you get older.  From an increase in energy to stronger bones and muscles, a consistent workout will help you ward off an array of health problems, such as diabetes, chronic heart conditions, and even some types of cancer. Those are good things if you want to stay out of the doctor’s office.

These and many other benefits are only available to you if you will remain consistent in your workout schedule. Whether you hit the gym or the pavement, you must include some form of exercise three or four days a week to get good results.

This type of schedule will allow your body to get in the habit of moving and being used, but also gives at least a day of rest between workouts. That rest is very important, as it will allow your muscle tissue time to repair itself from the strains of your fitness regimen. And, that repair time is very helpful if you are trying to burn calories, since the body burns lots of them while it repairs itself.

Consistency, though, is the key to any healthy fitness strategy. It can be fine to take the occasional vacation from your exercise schedule, but it must be done with the determination that you will return to the normal routine very soon. Too much time off can cause the body to lose what it had gained, leaving you to play catch up on your fitness goals.

Do your best to maintain that schedule. Soon, you’ll be on your way to a healthier you.