Studies have shown that carrying groceries, doing yardwork,
and cleaning your house counts as physical activity. So,
while you're not exercising per se, you're at least giving
your body some physical benefits.
But still you know that this kind of activity isn't going
to guarantee a flatter stomach, greater strength, and a
longevity boost. So how do find time and energy reach your
fitness goals? Here are every-day tips for your exercise
inspiration....
1. Take a picture of yourself and have
it "morphed" at a photo shop. Wanna see how
you look 10, 20, 30 pounds lighter? Have the picture people
edit the picture in the image you like, then take home
copies of it and hang them everywhere you can see it.
Harness the power of visualization.
2. Keep a stack of your favorite magazines
that you promise yourself you can read only at the gym.
If the issues start piling up, you know it's time to schedule
a workout.
3. Did you know that NOT exercising
AT ALL is equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes A
DAY? (Fear is a good motivator for some.)
4. Your dog. If you want your pooch
to enjoy a longer, healthier life, s/he needs to get moving,
too. You'll find as both of you get fit, s/he is more
enthusiastic, and will give you a challenging workout.
If not, YOU give him/her a challenging workout.
5. Work out with your spouse/life partner.
Not only does it get both of you healthy and strong, but
can also spice up your romantic life.
6. Erase YEARS off your body. Chronologically
you may be 40, but with regular, vigorous exercise and
healthy nutrition, people are going to do a double-take
and think you're in your mid-30's. Imagine how awesome
you'll feel, when you not only feel younger, but to OTHER
people you look younger. Act younger, too.
7. Begin an accomplishments journal.
At the end of each day, write down what you've accomplished
that day to move you closer toward your fitness and/or
life goals. DO NOT WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU HAVEN'T ACCOMPLISHED.
That doesn't matter. What matters is what you ARE doing;
we all need a long-overdue, well-deserved pat on the back
on a regular basis.
8. Use the TV. Here's the catch: work
out only when your favorite show is on. Or, record your
favorite show and work out during that (but don't fast
forward through commercials - unless you have consecutive
episodes taped). Can help time to fly by faster.
9. Hire a personal trainer or coach.
If you're having extreme difficulty with motivation, hire
a professional to get you to reorganize your life to make
taking care of yourself a top priority (which it should
be). A good coach or trainer will teach you how to help
YOURSELF, without you having to hold someone else's hand,
and help you realize that YOU have the power and ability
to do this on your own.
10. Split your workouts. Some recent
studies are showing that a split workout can burn more
calories than one full workout. So if time's an issue
(gee, there's a thought) try getting up 30 minutes earlier
in the morning for a short-burst 15 minute workout, then
steal another 15-20 minutes at lunch or in the evening.
11. Use your daily planner. You have
important commitments scheduled into your planner, right?
Volunteer work, doctor appointments, children's activities,
etc. Where's EXERCISE??? It's as important a commitment
(if not more) than your other activities. Quick tip: mark
"EXERCISE" in your planner with a bright colored
marker, so it stands out as a reminder to get your butt
in gear.
12. Listen to audio books while you
exercise. Self-improvement and motivation books are GREAT
here. You'll feel twice as productive, and highly energized,
and the time will fly.
13. Reward yourself. It never ceases
to amaze me how hard we are on ourselves when we don't
accomplish, and how hard we are on ourselves when we DO
accomplish. Whenever you reach a milestone, have something
in mind, like a trip to the day spa, new shoes or clothes
(as long as it's NON-EDIBLE).
14. Have kids? Look at their pictures
to remind you that you want to be around to share life
with them, with plenty of energy. You don't want your
10-year old to be throwing you around the house, do you?
15. Want to keep fitting into your favorite
jeans? You know, the ones that fit you nicely several
years ago? Keep them. Keep trying them on to keep yourself
in check to keep eating right and exercising.
16. Keep a journal of how you feel after
exercise. Especially the great workouts. On the days you
just don't feel like exercising, look back on the good
workout days for some inspiration.
17. See exercise as a stress-releaser.
A simple shift in attitude can do wonders for your stress
levels. If you've had a long, hard day at work, exercise
is something to LOOK FORWARD TO to relieve your stress
and revive yourself.
18. Check out the e-mail, chat, or discussion
groups on the Internet that deal with fitness, weight
loss, diet, exercise, etc.
19. Have young kids? Use the day care
at the gym - so there's no excuse about who's going to
watch the kids. Or, have a family member(s) or a friend
watch them. So there REALLY is no excuse for not working
out.
20. Look in the mirror. Sometimes that
is all you need to trigger you into the lean, fit, and
energized mode.
