International Sports Sciences Association's Ten Best Resolutions for Better Health in 2008

CARPINTERIA, Calif., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- There are so many health recommendations in the media these days that it's often difficult for people to identify the MOST important changes they can make for better health in the year ahead. ISSA polled their member database -- nearly 100,000 health and fitness professionals strong -- for their top recommendations for the 10 best things their clients can do to improve their health in the year ahead. Here are the results of that survey:

    1  Drink more water
    2  Lift weights
    3  Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night
    4  Eat less processed food
    5  Eat 5 servings of veggies daily
    6  Eat more protein
    7  Get a doctor's physical
    8  Eat 5 servings of fruit daily
    9  Stretch
    10 Don't drink sugary sodas

Joy Alden, a Los Angeles-based ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer, reminds readers that "changes which will positively affect good health entail a lifestyle change, requiring ongoing and daily focus, to reap maximum rewards from your efforts."

Rob Leoni, a Chicago-based ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer and Specialist in Performance Nutrition, recommends that in order to truly succeed with health & fitness resolutions, individuals should "build a 'healthier lifestyle' support system. Convince one or more of your friends to meet you 3 or 4 times a week. Your New Year's Resolution becomes part of theirs. You'll find that you'll both slowly become more attentive to your lifestyle choices and their relationship to your diet and exercise habits."

About ISSA

Since 1988 the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) has provided certification and continuing education to nearly 100,000 health and fitness professionals. ISSA certifications are recognized worldwide. The ISSA offers nine specialized fitness certifications as well as dozens of continuing education courses.

The ISSA's certification courses were designed by a virtual "who's who" of the fitness industry -- including Tom Fahey, Fred Hatfield, Bob Delmonteque, Sal Arria, Karl Knopf, and a soon-to-be-released brand new Performance Nutrition course authored by John Berardi.

The ISSA is proud to include Clark Bartram, Jennifer Nicole Lee, Jackie Warner, Sonia Adcock, John Schaeffer, Monica Brant, Charles Staley and Adela Garcia among our alumni.

For more information on the ISSA, please visit: http://www.issaonline.com