Birds flying high, you know how I feel… Sun in the sky, you know how I feel… It’s a new dawn, a new day, a new life for me, and I’m feeling gooooooood!!
No, this is isn’t an advertisement for Weight Watchers, but the song does make me feel fabulous… Do you know what else also makes me feel good? Being healthy – and it should make you feel the same. I know that it’s easier said than done and sometimes we just don’t have the (fill in the blank… money, time, energy, etc.) to commit. So today, I’m offering some tips in hopes to make things just a little bit easier for you.
Get an accountability partner.
Most of us have a tendency of doing the right thing (hi, Spike) when we’re being watched and reserving those less than stellar, sneaky moments for when we know we don’t have an audience. Well an accountability partner is there to help you (and you them) stay on the right path because they’re always watching, so to speak. This person should be positive, have your best interest at heart, and genuinely want to see you succeed at reaching your goal. Talk to each other about your personal goals and how you intend to reach them. You don’t always have to be there physically in each other’s faces, but a simple phone call or text message just to say “hey, how was your workout today?” or “what are you cooking for dinner?” are quick and easy ways to keep each other in check.
This is NOT an accountability partner!
Whistle while you work.
Did you ever play one of the “games” as a child that some sneaky adult (or older sibling) taught you how to “play” and initially it seemed like good wholesome fun… until that moment you finally realized what you were actually doing was something like cleaning? Worse yet… you were doing their work? *gasp* Well as much as you didn’t like that revelation, there was a method to the madness… and it worked! The same concept can work for you when it comes to exercise. There are more fun ways to exercise now than ever before. If activities like basketball or swimming don’t tickle your fancy try something like dance fitness (i.e. Zumba, WERQ, Flirty Girl, Barre Bee Fit, etc.), boxing, piloxing (yes, that’s pilates + boxing), martial arts… you get the idea. To make a long story short… The more fun you’re having, the less it feels like exercising. Trick yourself into doing your body good!
There’s no place like home.
QUICK!! When you read “there’s no place like home” did you think of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz or Sandra & Mary from 227?? Tell the truth! Ok, I kid… Back to the lecture at hand. Not being able to sign away your first born with your name written in blood afford a gym membership is no excuse to not be exercising anymore. With all of the DVD’s and YouTube videos (and they’re free!!) out there, there is something to fit your schedule, your home equipment (or lack thereof), and your wallet. If you’re brave enough to endure the P90X or Insanity workouts of the world… rock on! If you’re looking for something a little more moderate, Jeanette Jenkins (a.k.a. the Hollywood Trainer), whose growing client list includes the likes of Kelly Rowland, Alicia Keys, and Paula Patton got together with fitsugar to provide a workout that lasts only… wait for it… 10 minutes! I’ve tried it and believe you me, she pulls no punches on this one. Give it a shot when you have 10 minutes to spare. Have water and a stretcher nearby.
Be your own trainer.
So many people complain about the costs of staying healthy and fit. From the health food store to the price of health care. Maintaining your health can, indeed, be expensive… if you let it… or you can choose to take matters into your own hands. Knowledge is power and there’s plenty of it out there for the taking. From all kinds of calorie counters and trackers, fitness diaries, smoothie recipe apps and the like there are plenty of ways for you to learn about what you need, what you’ve got, and how to get what you want. One of the pricier things in the world of fitness are personal trainers. If you can afford one, they’re an awesome asset. If you cannot, however, no need to fear… There’s an app for that! Give something like Nike Training Club, an app for both iPhone and Android. It’s like having a personal trainer in your pocket… for free. It allows you to choose your own level and from a variety of different workouts. It has both video and audio instruction when you need a little extra guidance. You can even go social and let all of your friends know about your glowing progress! You have no excuse and Nike already told you… just do it.
Nike Training Club
So, now it’s your turn. Talk to me. What difficulties do you run into when sticking to your fitness goals? What helps you stay on track?
-Love & Light… CB Radio
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