For many people, this is the time of year when they start thinking about getting ready for the warmer months. The thought of starting a fitness routine may be in your mind but it could be that you don’t know where to begin. With so many different types of exercise and a variety of formats to choose from, it can be confusing to get started. It may even lead to some feeling so overwhelmed that they never move forward. Let’s be clear on one thing…if you are a beginner, you shouldn’t try to incorporate intense exercise into your fitness plan. … Continue reading →

Several years ago I had a membership to Curves, a for-women-only fitness center. One of the things I remember really liking is the concept of circuit training. Circuit training is when you do short amounts of resistance exercise, focusing on one muscle group at a time. Sprinkled in the mix you also have some aerobic exercises. The reason I liked this is because I prefer variety. I can’t do floor exercises, such as leg lifts, for 20 minutes at a time. To me it is just plain boring. So when things get a little mixed up, I tend to be … Continue reading →

It can feel like a successful fitness routine is impossible. But I think many times that’s because we are looking for instant results. We don’t see the importance of building up our routine, learning how to be consistent and the hard work it takes to get where we want to be. Too often we have the end result in mind. We are fixated on losing a certain number of pounds, fitting into that dress, or being ready for the summer season. What we have to focus on is the here and now. A routine is something you do without even … Continue reading →

There are all sorts of gadgets out there which help in tracking your physical activity. Bands you can wear on your wrists and apps on your phone are just some of them. Of course, you can always do it the old-fashioned way, with a notebook and pen. No matter which method you choose, there are some real benefits to keeping track. First, it helps you to put together a plan that works best for you. After you have tracked your activity levels, you can usually get a good feel for the time of day in which you might be more … Continue reading →

It is important to challenge yourself when you make the decision to try and lose weight or tone up your body. While I also believe in making small changes and setting realistic goals, it can’t be so relaxed that you don’t feel challenged. This can be tricky to figure out. You want to create a plan that is doable yet not so easy that it doesn’t push you. Here are some ways I have learned to make this happen. First, set a target. In addition to goals (such as exercising three times a week or cutting out soda), have a … Continue reading →

Bad habits can be hard to break. But if they are standing in the way of you achieving the fit lifestyle you desire to have, it will be worth the hard work of breaking them. While everyone experiences their own challenges, there are some bad habits that are fairly common. See if you recognize yourself in any of these. The first bad habit is setting unrealistic goals. When you raise the bar too high, it can cause you to quickly lose motivation. You can’t run a marathon when you haven’t been off the couch in ages. Set small, achievable goals. … Continue reading →

The warm weather is finally upon us. You can’t help but notice how great some people look in their shorts. You are now feeling motivated to get healthy. How do you begin? By following these 6 suggestions, you will at least be on your way. Every successful story has a beginning and perhaps today is your day. The first tip is to get out and walk. You don’t have to go and spend a lot of money on a gym membership. You don’t have to invest in workout equipment. Just start by walking. Walking is a great way to break … Continue reading →