Staying in shape is important. Whether it's riding a bike, taking a walk, working out at the gym, or jogging- it all helps! I wanted to discuss this topic today because I think one of the biggest problems that some of us have is the fact that we don't have time to work out.
I work Mon-Friday from 8AM-5PM and that leaves me only nights to work out. By the time I get home, make dinner, clean up, and spend a little time with the hubs, it's almost bed time! How do I sacrifice one of those things? I used to dance growing up- (I still do a little, but I mostly teach now) and it really kept me in shape. I was dancing Tues-Thurs and then on Saturdays. Dancing is such a cardio workout- but it was more than that too. I got the stretching, the muscle toning, and the cardio all in one. It was so nice. I had a fast metabolism so I was pretty skinny. I got really lucky. After I was done dancing for the day, I was tired, but felt so good. Working out gives us endorphines. I just read this article today about that:
"We've known for a long time about the benefits of exercise as a way to enhance our physical condition and combat disease; but it hasn't been until more recently that exercise is being recognized as an element in maintaining mental fitness. Studies have shown that exercise releases endorphines in the brain, which in turn cause us to have what is commonly know as a "natural high" or a "runners high". You may not realize what caused it, but most of us have felt it. Whether we're engaged in a leisurely swim or an adrenaline-charged rock climb, there is that moment when suddenly pain or discomfort drops away and we are filled with a sense of euphoria. We have endorphins to thank for these moments of bliss." (Taken from HubPages.Com)
So, I think that even if we don't have a lot of time to work out, we need to make some time to help us out not only physically, but mentally. It is extremely important that we take care of ourselves. Here are a few ideas to help you stay in shape and healthy:
(These are the normal things you all know)
1. Exercise- at least go on a walk.
2. Go to sleep earlier.
3. Take Vitamins
4. Don't Skip Breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day.
5. Eat more veggies and cut down on the red meat, sugar, and salt.
What kind of activities can we do?
1. Hula Hoop! It sounds funny- but it really will work out your tummy, thighs and glutes.
2. Go swimming and do a few laps. You can even lift weights in the pool.
3. Go Bike Riding- riding a bike is fun, and easy to get up to a mile. You could do 10 miles in no time!
4. Dance
5. Take a yoga or Pilates class
6. Attend a step class at the gym. Sometimes they are free.
7. Do crunches
8. Lift weights. Even 5 pounds will help.
9. Go on a walk
10. Jog
11. Prepare for a 5K. (This one is harder and will take more time.)
12. Play the boxing game on the Wii! It really works and burns tons of calories.
13. Go Ice Skating
14. Take the stairs, not the elevator.
15. Walk your dog
16. Go on a hike
17. Play Volleyball or any other sport
18. Playing tag with your kids
19. Find an online workout video that is free
20. Wearing weight loss shoes or sandels. (bath and body works has some sandels.)
So, what do you do? How do you stay in shape?
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I think that there's an exercise out there for everyone, and sometimes we have to work at it to find out what ours is.
ReplyDeleteI didn't do any kind of exercise for a looooooong time. I had sports-induced asthma, so anytime I'd do an activity that would make me breathe hard, I'd start coughing and would have to stop after a few minutes. It was always so frustrating, because I wanted to get in shape, but my lungs were making it impossible.
Last Fall I was inspired by my sister (Becky) because over the last few years she's gotten into running and has even finished several marathons. I figured we had the same genes, and if she could do it, I could too.
I started jogging. At first I couldn't even make it a quarter of a mile without having to stop and walk, I was that out of shape. But slowly, over the next few months, I kept pushing myself, telling myself I could go further and make it to that point without stopping. After a month or two I could make it a mile. Then two miles. And I was eventually able to run a 5k on Thanksgiving, and even though I was slow, I didn't stop.
My husband and I always try and go right after school. This is usually late in the afternoon or early evening, but we've both realized that if we don't go at that specific time we've set out every day, then we won't! So that's what we do. We just made it a priority.