Be Active, Be Healthy!

           

            No one wants to be overweight or unhealthy, so why is it that people continue to live sedentary lives?

            But people give countless excuses-

                        I’m too tired.

                        I’m too busy.

                        I can’t work out after dinner (before breakfast, between breakfast and lunch...)

                        It’s dark outside.

                        I don’t have a gym membership.

                        I’m too embarrassed of my weight. 

            And it goes on and on ad nausea.

            So what’s the hardest part about working out? We think it’s getting started. The physical act of getting out of the house for a jog, going to a group exercise class, driving to the gym, or showing up for your rec league is THE hardest part of working out.

            Your couch is comfy, you may be tired, we know, we know, but your health depends upon you committing to working out on a daily basis.

            Because we have all felt the weight holding us down when we’re trying to get out and go, here are a few tips that might help you.

            Set aside a specific time of the day to workout. Creating a special time just for working out can do wonders. Whether you set an alarm on your i-phone, write a note on the refrigerator, a mark in your calendar or a reminder on your hand, putting your workout in writing can be a powerful motivator.

            Switch it up. Have something fun to do every day of the week. Switch up your routines. Jog on Monday. Yoga Tuesdays. Kickboxing on Wednesday. If you’re routine doesn’t get stale, neither will your motivation.

            Set goals, but rational goals. One of the biggest obstacles to people working out is themselves. People often set impossible goals like, “I want to lose 25 pounds this week.” This sets you up for failure. Not everyone is a Biggest Loser Contestant. When you hit your small goals, you see progress. And progress is motivating. Sure, it may not be the ultimate goal, but you’re on your way.

            Make a playlist. Music changes the way you workout. A good beat can push your pace during a run. A catchy chorus can make time fly by. Leave Mozart at home and fill your ipod with your upbeat favorites. Playing your workout mix before the gym can help you get pumped up for a challenging session.

            Sign up for the gym, a race, a league or a class. If you have the means to do so, financially committing to your exercise might be the kick in the butt that you need.

            Find a partner. Committing to exercising with a friend can be a huge motivator. It’s easy to break exercise dates with yourself, but when a friend is counting on you to be there, it’s a lot harder to sit on the couch knowing you’re letting a friend down. You will take turns pushing each other through the times of no motivation and bond along the way.

            New shoes. The bounce of a new pair can change your whole workout. You feel faster, smoother and definitely cooler. A flashy pair sitting in the box are like a puppy begging to be taken for a walk. It’s hard to say no.

Now that you’ve heard from us, what gets you up and going?