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Show J THE l QtSi"? SUPER BEAUTIES Fitness tips from Carlo Ferrigno By COLETTE BOUCHEZ Copley News Service If the 1980s had to be summarized in as few words as possible, the best description might very well be "The Era of Physical Physi-cal Fitness." Being physically fit has become an intricate part of life in our fast-paced society. soci-ety. And this is a wonderful trend, providing you are, by second nature, athletically athleti-cally inclined. I, however, along with millions of others, oth-ers, am not. We know we should be, but we can't help it we hate to exercise. Well, according to physical physi-cal fitness expert CARLA FERRIGNO, author of "For Women Only," a shape-up program for ladies la-dies of all ages, not enjoying enjoy-ing exercise is probably the majority and not the minority vote. "Most people dread exercise," ex-ercise," says this Super Beauty who is married to the extremely fit actor LOU FERRIGNO ("The Incredible Hulk"). "And because be-cause they dread it, they don't do it ... which is a shame because once you get involved in a regular physical fitness program, the benefits extend to all parts of your life." In addition to looking and feeling physically healthier, Carla cites a better bet-ter mental attitude, less tendency toward depression depres-sion and even a healthier, happier relationship between be-tween you and your mate as being a part of physical fitness. "It's not just having a good body," says Carla, . who has been exercising almost al-most all of her adult life, "it's also a way of developing develop-ing a strong sense of self-esteem self-esteem which comes out in everything you do. Knowing Know-ing that you feel good and that you can take care of yourself, and that you are alive and have energy can change the way you relate to everyone in your life." Carla, in addition to her background in physical fitness, fit-ness, holds a degree in psychotherapy psy-chotherapy and was a practicing therapist for a number of years. She believes be-lieves that exercise is one of the best ways to combat many emotional problems as well as physical ones. "When you are depressed and just feel down about yourself and your life, and just getting out of bed in the morning seems monumental, monu-mental, is the time when exercise can really help you. Not only is the physical physi-cal movement a physiological physiolog-ical stimulator that can change your body chemistry chemis-try and help you to fool better, but also it is a form of mental stimulation that can help you out of your depression." Depressed or not, my question was, "Whore do you begin?" "You've got to start by making exercise fun," says the bubbly Carla, "especially "espe-cially if it's something you've dreaded for a long time. I suggest starting your exercise program with a friend . . . someone who is roughly in the same shape you are. If you pair yourself with a super athlete ath-lete hoping some of his or her enthusiasm will rub off on you, you may find yourself your-self getting discouraged because you can't keep up the pace. If you and your 'physical equal' begin together, to-gether, there will be just enough competition to serve as motivation." Carla also suggests that you start with a beginner's class at a local spa or studio stu-dio and not try to do it at home. "I'm a firm believer in gyms," she says, "because it's too easy to make up excuses ex-cuses not to work out when you are at home. But if you get up and out of the house you're more inclined to get into the swing of things and keep up the program instead in-stead of stopping at the first sign of discouragement." discourage-ment." And what are those discouraging signs? We know them when we feel them because they're called PAIN. That awful, achey, sore-all-over feeling that convinces us that watching "General Hospital" Hospi-tal" is a much more civilized civi-lized way to spend the afternoon. af-ternoon. "I know some people believe be-lieve that if it doesn't hurt it's not working, but I don't approach exercise that way. I don't think you should push yourself to the point of pain. I think it's better to take it slow and wait awhile longer to see the results," says Carla, "than to move too fast and cd up quitting because you can't move the next day." Carla does point out, however, that there is always al-ways a little soreness if you use muscles that have been dormant for a long time. But, she says, 'A i" bath and putting warm sweat suit alters bath should take awau' stiffness you may fee!" Another reason mr women avoid exercise: because they don't fe comfortable lobbing akin ak-in a leotard and tights t it depresses them into k attending a group class. Carla says. "If you c like the way you led-" feel in a leotard, then to wear one. Instead shop :" a reallv prettv sweat s. in a color that'flatters rc-Your rc-Your body will be co and many styles are ic-ally ic-ally flattering and she" ing' , .1 "You should also m yourself look as attract as possible," she contiros "and go to the gym the same enthusiasm you go to lunch. Fix P hair and do wear makft It makes a different ' how you view going to c ercise class. "If you make your feel pretty, putting on F fume and lipstick for6 ample, you'll enjoy y ternoon out and the & fits will make v; happier and healthier f son." . Well, we've just covered all the excuse-I excuse-I guess I'll see you'"" spa. SUPER BEAl'TYHtf For a complete gut ;; getting and stay"' shape, pick up a cop! Carla Ferrigno s Women Only" (C' rary, Chicago), wim only gives you that really work W ' provides the mod plete and comprrt health and weight c program that IV seen. , . To help you t road to physical W Carla offers those tions |