25 Minutes-Sounds Like A Lot!

That is how long into my workout it took me to really want to do it. I post about how much I love the gym and how it is like a second home to me, but there are days I don't want to go too. It takes some encouragement and dedication to always have this want. So today I am going to go over more things to keep yourself on track and not lose your focus, because it can be so easy to become side tracked.

#1: Make a Goal

I know all of this is all about goals, but I am talking a small goal. Today I got to the gym-I knew I wanted to do at least an hour. Again, sometimes there are so many other things on your mind (stresses) and it takes all you have just to get out the door to head to the gym. Today my goal was to burn 600 calories before I started my cool down. I almost started my cool down 5 minutes earlier knowing that I would make it to 600 in my cool down, but I said-no I said 600 and then cool down. It got me through those last 5 minutes. Plus it is never good for me to work-out by the monitor where I can see the play room, because I see my kids and want to go running to them for fear they miss me-ha-ha.

#2: The 10 Minute Rule

What is this 10 minute rule? Promise yourself 10 minutes of exercise. When you really don't want to do it-say, I will do 10 minutes. Chose anything, I don't care what it is. For example - go to the gym and do 10 minutes on the treadmill. I guarantee once you get on you will not want to stop. It will get you started. I would love to hear from you all on a day down the road when you really, really didn't want to go workout. Use my 10 minute rule-then come back to my blog, and let me know how long you lasted-even if it was just 5 minutes. I want to know.

#3: If You Don't Have Time-Break It Up

Did you know that you can do the same thing breaking your workouts into 10 to 15 minute segments to equal an hour? Get up 15 minute earlier and do some jumping rope, jumping jacks, running in place, anything to get your heart rate up. At work on your lunch, take 15 minutes to go on a brisk walk or jog. After work do a short workout video. Take another 15 minute walk after dinner. Oh my gosh, you just did an hour of working out today!

# 4: Make Little Lifestyle Changes

It cracks me up to see people at the gym circling for the parking spot closest to the door. I am sorry-didn't you come to get healthier? Here are some things you can do to help yourself make small changes to a better you. Don't drive around waiting for the closer spot-just park. So you have to take the 20 extra steps to the front door-what did it hurt? Nothing at all! When at all possible choose stairs over elevators and escalators. This will also help. Have stairs at home? When cleaning make more than one trip-not fun, but you will get some good cardio going. These are just a few suggestions of small changes you can make.
Here is another thing I would love to hear. Have you started to make small changes in your life to better health? Please, choose one or two things and start on it right away. Remember 30 days to make a habit!!

Now here is your Fitness Tip. Abdominal exercises, I have yet to go over these. I did them today because I have only done them once this week. One big thing with this exercise that a lot don't know-don't anchor your feet. This causes your hip flexors to work-not your abs. Also, when doing abs-think rotational. Rotational abdominal exercises are so amazing when you want that flat stomach. They are what give you that 6-pack. So I am going to tell you one of my favorites, and I would love for you to add it to your workout-even if you have already done your workout. Just lay on down on your back with your hands down to your sides, and do this one for me. Lift your scapula (shoulder blades) off the floor and then rotate back and forth touching your heels with your same side hand. One repetition is after you have touched both heels. So go lie down and get started.