Hello and Happy New Year!
Well, with New Year's Resolutions written down, shared with friends, and posted around your house, and with winter hum-drums beginning to set in (for those of us in cold parts of the world that is) I know we are all looking for motivation to keep going. The first few weeks were a snap....but now...well we are all starting to question why it is that we want to get and stay, healthy!
Remind yourself that you need to be healthy. It is NOT an option. A healthy, mind, body and soul creates a positive atmosphere for everyone! Who knows what changes the world will see if we all try a little harder!
So, with that being said, I have begun a list of 10 ways to help out. I'm sure this list will grow and change over the next few months (and years) as we all search for ways, and reminders, to keep going. But for now, here's at least TEN ways to help out...
1) PROMISE! Make a promise to yourself to do it! Just do it! Go for a walk, to the gym or do whatever gets you moving. Make a BIG "X" on your calendar each day you do this. Looking at this every day will remind you how much (or how little) you've done!
2) Grab a Partner! Invite someone to work out with you, or dance with you, or run/walk with you. The idea of a commitment to someone else may just be the push you need to go on days when you would rather lay low and avoid exercise altogether. The difference here could be monumental!
3) MOTIVATION! Do what you know motivates you....it could be hanging up those too small jeans so you can see them every day, or setting your sights for a local 5k. Once you commit, and pay for an event, the odds of you following through are tremendous!
4) Do it to MUSIC! Now is your chance to reward yourself with that new CD, tape or iPOD. Studies have shown that our heart rate is increased during exercise done to music!
5) Don't worry, be happy! Don't exercise with the thought of burning of the pizza from the night before...just relax and enjoy your time alone. Exercise for you, not to lose weight or burn calories. Amazingly, with this small change of attitude, you may find yourself burning more fat and feeling healthier!
6) Have FUN! Forget the old mentality "No pain, No Gain" Do what makes you happy. Re-charge you body and soul. Once you find an activity that makes you happy, you will be more likely tot stick to it! (Try something new....ballroom dancing, boxing, swimming etc)
7) Share the love! Here is a great way to spend quality time with the ones that love you and want to see you succeed. Invite along your kids, spouse or puppy to walk, run, roller-blade etc. with you. Again, in moments of doubt, these are the people to reach out too...not to mention enjoy some great bonding time with.
8) Reward yourself! Spend a few dollars on the new cross trainers, or running shorts you've been wanting. You may not only find yourself wanting to show off your new gear, but you may also find that you are more comfortable and get a better workout!
9) Pay for it! Make a tip jar for yourself and every time you make it to the gym put in a dollar. This is your fun money. At the end of the month, reward yourself with a massage, a facial, or something new to work out in! Money is a GREAT way to get motivated!
10) Listen to your body! I have talked about this many times, in many ways but it is just as important to postpone sometimes, than to go. Listen to your body. If you just aren't up to it, let go of the guilt and pass on the workout. Always keep in mind that exercise is great way to get out of the blues or a bad mood though. Also, listen to why you don't want to go, and make sure it's for the right reasons!
I hope my TOP TEN List is helpful, and as always please feel free to email me with any questions, concerns or help on how to GET MOVING!
Peace, Chris
