Tips and Tricks to Get You Moving
The hardest part of most new things is getting started. No one likes to step out of his/her comfort zone and enter unknown territory. Gyms can be intimidating, so I don’t blame you. Imagine having never worked out before, and walking into a room full of workout junkies. There is nothing scarier than using a machine or picking up a weight and feeling other people’s eyes burn into your back. In my opinion, exercise does not always mean going to a gym. Don’t expect to wake up one day and be able to run 10 miles. Change is all about taking small steps. For example, you could start by walking up and down your stairs 10 times each day. You could go for a walk around your block every morning or during your lunch break. Another idea would be taking your kids to the park and actually playing with them, rather than sitting. There are many ways to get moving and if it helps, find yourself a exercise-buddy and do it together.
Take the "Work" Out of "Working Out"
People come up to me all the time and say, “I wish I could love to work out like you do!!” My answer is typically, “I love to workout, because I love what I am doing. It’s my passion!” Working out should not be a chore or something you have to do, it should be something you want to do. That is why I am a strong advocate of making exercise and fitness fun. Physical activity is important, but there is no reason to dread it. If you absolutely hate running, then don’t run. If you despise lifting weights, don’t lift weights. Find the type of physical activity that makes you happy. Some examples: dancing, boxing, swimming, rock climbing, walking your dog, hiking, biking, or bowling. Exercise to feel good about yourself, to have fun, and not to obtain a certain physique or body type.
Exercise Does Your Body Good
The physical health benefits of regular exercise are hard to ignore. First, regular physical activity can help you maintain or lose weight. Exercise increases your metabolism and allows you to burn more calories throughout the day. Working out also can help you get stronger and gain muscle mass. Second, regular physical activity can help you avoid diseases and other health concerns. For example, regular exercise prevents high blood pressure, cardiovascular heart disease, strokes, Type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and even certain types of cancer. Third, exercise helps to normalize your glucose, insulin, and leptin levels in your body, allowing your body to regulate sugar properly. I encourage you to include exercise into your daily routine so that you can gain these three physical health benefits.
