Legendary Runner Uta Pippig: Taking the First Step to Better Fitness

Many Americans want to get in shape, but find it difficult to take those first steps on the way to a fitter, healthier lifestyle. Legendary runner Uta Pippig is the president and founder of Take the Magic Step, a website that encourages people to take the first steps to fitness and health. She is the first woman to win the Boston Marathon three times in a row and is a former Olympic athlete.

What's the most important thing to kick-start a fitness routine? "The most important thing is to believe that change is possible," says Pippig. "The way you think will change your life and get you moving toward fitness."

It's important to set goals, says Pippig, but don't set them too high. "A big goal can be overwhelming, so break it up. Set small, realistic, achievable goals that lead to your big goal," she says. And don't mistake a wish for a goal. "A wish is saying, 'I want to get in shape.' A goal is to say, 'I want to lose 10 pounds in 10 weeks.' Make your goal as concrete as possible."

When choosing an activity or sport that's right for you, see a sports physician, says Pippig: "Tell him what your idea of working out is. He can tell you what you can do, and how far you can go. A sports physician can also give you a baseline, so a year from now you can measure your improvement."

Make exercise fun, advises Pippig. "Start slowly and work up. And I would suggest working out with your partner. It's more fun. Working out can be a real pleasure."

Go here to visit Pippig's website.

To see Pippig's exclusive interview with Newsmax Health, go here.

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