So you have made your fitness resolutions and you really want to keep them. Whether your plan is to shed some excess weight, gain some muscle or maintain the level you are at; whether you have the know how or not or if it’s just the motivation you lack to fulfil your fitness promises, this week’s tips will help you.
The first step to achieving your goals may be right in your bedroom. Yes your bedroom.
Look in the mirror. Do you like what you see? Are you comfortable with the physique that is reflected at you? Do you think you can attain a healthier and a more attractive body?
If the answer to these questions is yes, then let’s get started.
But before we do, you must have a positive attitude and expect results from the work put in.
Michael Jordan famously said, “You mustexpect great things of yourself before you can do them.”
First off, get in the know. In this modern technology era knowledge is right at your fingertips. YouTube and Google are two resources that readily come to mind.
Both can be used to research any kind of workout.
Why should you work out?
Working out is not just for getting fit or muscular. Exercising offers both physical and mental benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety, to improving self-confidence and enhancing cognitive function. The good news is that adding regular exercise to your day isn’t tough. Just use the tips below and start moving.
- Fit exercise in any and everywhere
With tons of home workouts at your fingertips, you can exercise even if finding the time, cash, or transportation to make it to the gym is tough. Workouts can be done with zero equipment, in a small space, and in less than 20 minutes.
- Make a plan
Having a results-oriented game plan is a key to success when it comes to working out. Whether you work towards that 5K, download a checklist to keep you organized, or set reminders to strength train three times per week, arrange your weekly workouts in advance. Plus, research shows that imagining yourself achieving fitness goals can enhance athletic performance. Routinely rehearse making healthy choices by visualizing the result of all your hard work.
- Keep your workouts fresh
Stave off the dreaded workout rut by trying something new or unexpected. If you’re doing Pilates, switch it up with Zumba. Is Yoga, your thing? Why not try walking or running to change things up a bit. Even working with a personal trainer, or rocking a new playlist would pep up your workout.
- Work out first thing in the morning
The upside to working out in the morning is that it might inspire night owls to become morning people. Exercising before breakfast has been linked to effective fat loss. And getting your workout done first thing ensures it’s completed before the day gets away from you.
- Work out while you work
Seated does not have to mean stationary. Any time you are stuck in the cubicle or hunched over a keyboard, take a break for deskercise. This is the name given to exercise done while sitting at your desk. Stretch your neck by rotating from left and right, alternating sides. This can be done at hourly intervals. Run in place every 45 seconds — while seated, you can lift your feet up and down as though you are running. If possible, pump your arms at the same time. Do seated leg raises every hour – stretch each leg out in front of you, squeeze your thigh and lift your leg up and down in a slow, controlled manner for 15-20 repetitions. To get good blood circulation on the soles of your feet, sit tall, lift your heels off of the floor as high as you can until you are on the balls of your feet. Do 20 to 30 repetitions with both legs. Do a sitting lower back stretch – contract your abs and twist from one side to the next, beginning with the lower back, then the middle, then the upper back.
Even if these breaks don’t prepare you for an upcoming Ironman, they will get the blood flowing and burn a few calories.
