Exercise Secrets

park on the other side of the store, walk the long way around store

I like to try to add more steps by walking on the opposite side of the store I need to get something (or mall) then take the LONG way around. (this works best when its one of the "Super" Stores or "Club" type store

Quiet Competition

I have been known to race against the person on the treadmill not to me. I will not stop until that person stops. (I don't tell them we are racing )

Walking you way to a slimmer you

Buy a pedometer. Make the increase of steps per day into a game. I putposely find myself taking the long way somewhere in the office to try and beat my step record from yesterday.

Make those everyday little things a mini-workout

When picking something off the floor, do a controlled slow squat instead of bending at the hip. When doing housework, contract and stretch the muscles your are using during movement. Ways keep your abs tight. Occasionally contract your back muscles and roll your shoulders. It All Counts!

State Parks make me more fit

I like to go to the state parks and state forests to get my exercise because there is always a new trail to explore or a new experience to see and do.

Be Creative in Finding & Putting in Exercise in Your Daily Life

Walk up at least one flight of stairs when going to and leaving from work. Walk up the escalator(s) (don't push non-mobile people on escalator--wait for them to get off if you want to walk up the escalator!). Grab house keys, drop off garbage, & then walk one or more blocks.

workouts

The hardest part is getting to the gym.

Good excuses

I work in the city. I try to find an excuse each day to run an errand that requires me to go on at least a 10 min walk. Anything to try and get a few extra steps in.

Fewer Chiropractor Appointments

I have been seeing a chiropractor for several months due to a degenerative bone disease in my neck which causes pain in my shoulder. However, since I started doing yoga and strength training, I have been able to cut back on my appointments from every week to every three weeks.

Abs Motivator

When I am strength training my core I take my shirt off and do it in front of a mirror. Seeing exactly WHY I am doing this while working out helps me stay motivated to work that much harder!