photo credit: VISITFLANDERS via photopin cc
If you are one who starts the new year with resolve to finally do something about your fitness, weight, stress, back pain, excess blood sugar, depression, wakeful nights, and crummy mood, here is the secret that will change your life. Just move. It doesn’t matter what you do – just do something. This “something” will be a catalyst to jump start the way to your better self.
You can make physical activity simple or complicated. There is really no right way to exercise; however, in my experience working with non-exercisers, the more simple the program, the easier it is to be consistent. According to the National Weight Control Registry, the most frequently reported form of exercise for those successful with weight loss is walking. Walking is something that you can “squeeze” into a tight schedule. Here are some tips to help increase steps in your life:
- Park further away from the grocery store.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Walk for half of your lunch hour.
- Get up 15 minutes earlier in the morning, have your shoes ready and get out the door before you have time to talk yourself out of it.
These simple adjustments into your daily life will all add up to feeling better about yourself, more calories burned and a happier constitution. Who wouldn’t want that?
A friend of mine recently began walking with 2 other girlfriends early in the morning before work. They have gradually worked up to an hour walk and talk fest. She has lost 5 pounds and even better than that, she says she feels so much better when she gets to work. As hard as it is for her to get out of bed, she knows that her other 2 BFF’s will be waiting for her on the corner. Here is another interesting tidbit – she has always hated exercise but she learned a way to make it work for her. Create your own fun and active life and call some girlfriends.
Let’s hear it for a simple and active 2015.