So, you’ve tried everything to get rid of the extra weight. You’ve tried diets, and herbs. You’ve tried lotions and potions and pills. You’ve tried thinking yourself thin, and mantras in the mirror. You’ve tried steaming it off, soaking it off, stress reduction techniques and maybe even a seaweed detox body wrap or two. But have you tried exercise? I mean, really, truly, honestly given good old fashioned exercise a go?
I’m not talking about going to the gym for a couple of weeks, and then not following through. I’m not talking about being a weekend warrior either. What I’m talking about is your daily and weekly exercise plan that you’ve stuck to for over two months. If you aren’t nodding your head “yes”, then it’s time to re-examine the benefits of what exercise really CAN do for you!
Regular exercise (about four hours a week) provides the body with numerous life-enhancing benefits! Exercise cuts high blood pressure, balances your moods, helps you to sleep better, improves eye sight, tones the muscles and organs, boosts your energy, revs up your sex life, clears the mind, enhances memory, and oh yeah… exercise burns fat too!!!
If you don’t like exercise, it’s because you’re viewing it as a dreaded chore. Exercise can be a lot of fun if you choose an activity that appeals to you! There are many great ways to get your exercise and enjoy yourself at the same time. Include some friends so you have a support group and someone to visit with while you work out.
Here is a list of exercise ideas. Pick one and stick with it for four hours this week. Next week pick something new or different if you like.
Who says exercise can’t be fun? Try hiking, swimming laps, yoga, Pilates, snowboarding or skiing, jogging, rollerblading, walking the dog (briskly), a game of “tag” with the kids, jump rope, dancing, tennis, racquetball, football, biking, soccer, basketball, aerobics class, Jazzercise, spinning, snowshoeing, backpacking, golf (without the cart), sex, jumping on a trampoline, or one of the billion exercise videos out there!
As you begin this endeavor, you’re going to need to pace yourself. If you over do it on the first day and can’t walk upright for the rest of the week, you’re setting yourself up for failure and you will continue to hate exercise.
Start by drinking two 8 ounces glasses of water about an hour before you begin. Take ten minutes to stretch, really feeling your muscles. Tell them they are getting longer and stronger every day. As you begin to do your chosen activity, concentrate on just getting your blood flowing for the first 10-15 minutes. Concentrate on your breath. Make sure that you are breathing! If you’re struggling to catch your breath, keep moving; just slow it down until you can breathe with ease again.
As you move past your “warm-up” phase, your aim should be to get your heart rate up and to sweat! A good way to get your target heart rate is to simply subtract your age from the number 220. Take small sips of water throughout the duration of your workout. Again, be mindful of your breath and just simply bring it down a notch if you find yourself gasping for air. When you are done, take another 10 minutes or so to stretch out again. You’ll be amazed at how good it feels to stretch out after a workout! You will almost be able to hear your muscles thanking you!
It’s good to consume lean protein within an hour of ending your workout. This will help you re-build your muscles. Building your muscle mass is key to weight loss. Did you know that muscle eats fat? Muscle will continue to burn fat even when you are at rest! Good muscle tone is also important to protect you from the devastating effects of osteoporosis. You don’t need to worry about doing anything radical to develop muscle tone, or about over building your muscles. Just focus on getting your four hours of exercise a week, and your body will naturally take care of the rest. Of course, if you are interested in weightlifting, there are many benefits. However, it is common for people to hurt themselves by lifting too much, too soon. I strongly advise educating yourself before beginning a weight lifting program. Consult a trainer who has experience in this area and listen to your body!!!
My personal favorite types of exercise are hiking with my husband, as well as yoga, Pilates and using the Elliptical machine at the gym.
With hiking, I just love getting out into the fresh air and sunshine! Once you’ve got a good pace set for yourself, you can easily burn hundreds of calories in just a few hours. Plus it’s easy to stop when you need to catch your breath, or take a sip of water. There are always so many wonders to behold while hiking, that it doesn’t feel like dreaded exercise. It’s a great way to calm the nerves too!
Pilates and yoga build your core. These exercises are especially amazing tools for banishing belly flab! As you’re doing them they may not feel like much, you may even think some of it is a bit silly, but trust me- you will definitely feel it the next day!
The Elliptical machine is ideal for when the weather isn’t comfortable enough to be outside. It’s easy on the knees, targets your butt, and allows you to pick the pace, resistance and incline that feel right for you.
For an extra element of fun, find some ways to include the kids! Exercise can be a family event, and they usually need it as much as adults do. Exercise will help your children diffuse excess energy levels, be more agreeable with each other, focus their attention, get better grades, boost their immunity and improve their self-esteem. Childhood Diabetes has become an epidemic in America, and as a parent, you are responsible for the health of your children! So go enjoy your back yard or a nice, grassy park! Laugh it up over a game of tag or football. Invent a wacky new way to race each other. Play with your kids; they will love you for it!
Exercise doesn’t have to be grueling. It can be fun if you decide to start experiencing your workouts in a positive manner. Of course, making healthy food choices will help you get your desired results quicker, and any exercise is more beneficial than none at all! So get out there if you haven’t given exercise an honest attempt. You have nothing to lose but the extra pounds!
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Dr. Babe
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