Today I'm linking up with the Lifestyle Sistas to talk about our top 5 fitness tidbits. I am by no means a fitness expert, but I've always been athletic and for most of my life I was slim. About five years ago I started to put on a lot of weight. I'd like to blame it on old age, but really, I just fell off the exercise train and ate too much bad food. Not a good combo.
I didn't like where I was headed, so I recommitted myself to fitness and healthy eating. Give or take a few pounds here and there, I'm happy with where I ended up. These fitness tidbits have worked pretty well for me.
--Exercise first thing in the morning. This is really hard for me, because I am NOT a morning person. However, if I don't get my butt out of bed and get it done, I make excuses or run out of time the rest of the day.
--Work out with weights. I added weight training to my routine about six months ago, and it has made a huge difference in my strength and my waistline. Building muscle mass raises your metabolism, and the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn 24 hours a day. I like to use Jackie Warner's DVD's at home.
--Join a group exercise class. I've written before about my love of Zumba. I've made friends with my instructor and several of the ladies in the class, which keeps me accountable. If I'm running late, Janelle always texts me to make sure I'm still coming, and I don't want to disappoint her!
--Walk. Simple, but going for a walk has so many benefits - it clears your head, gets your heart rate up, and makes you feel better.
I hope you'll link up below, or join us in two weeks for recipes with 5 ingredients or less. And next Friday, The Style Me Bloggers will be sharing our favorite winter hats. Be sure to visit my other Sistas today for some great fitness tidbits.
I have to work out first thing in the morning too, otherwise it just doesn't happen. I like to do walking lunges when I'm walking our dog and people always look at me weird!
ReplyDeleteJill
www.dousedinpink.com
Lunges while walking the dog is a great idea - I'll have to try that!
DeleteMorning is the way to go, you're right! I always have way more energy if I get it done right away.
ReplyDeleteMe too - otherwise I come up with a million excuses.
DeleteI've never been able to work out in the morning lol!
ReplyDeleteyes to the weight training! so true
Mornings are impossible when you have little kids. Yay weights!
DeleteGood advice. Thanks. I should log off and walk a bit. (I've been sitting toooooo long.)
ReplyDeleteI feel like I'm growing roots in my office chair some days!
DeleteYup, I try to walk when I can. I also park in the back when I go to stores so I can walk more.
ReplyDeleteI think walking is my favorite exercise. I'd love to ditch my car and walk everywhere.
DeleteLove, love the idea of breaking into jumping jacks at your desk. I am recommitting myself to trying to get back in shape. I have had two cervical spine surgeries and have suffered through what I thought was going to be eternal menopause but I am finally on the mend and no longer hot-flashing. You gals have inspired me to be more enthusiastic about my workouts. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWow - two spinal surgeries! That's a lot to heal from. I'm just entering menopause so we'll see how it goes!
DeleteGood advice Lana - now I just need to follow it! I have also been building in breaks during computer work, and remembering to move more though!
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to remember when you're working at your desk all day!
DeleteWow!!! What a great story!!! I need to make a post about my fitness routine!!!! Ok!!! I'm running away to do some photots!!!!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see them!
DeleteI'm impressed that you can do Zumba! I so cannot move like that. All of your tips are right on and things I also incorporate (except Zumba).
ReplyDeleteOh trust me Carrie - you'd laugh if you saw me doing it. I've taken the same class for three years and I still look silly - but it's so much fun I don't care anymore!
Delete