Secrets of Success

Think of Exercise as "Playing Out"

I like to change the words "Working Out" to "Playing Out:". It shines a whole new light on exercising.

Short Bouts of Exercise Throughout the Day

If you can get in 10 minutes of exercise, 3 times a day (or more), it adds up AND you get the same benefits. If you have hypothyroidism, you even get an extra benefit, because the short bouts throughout the day keeps your metabolism revved up.

Tools of the trade

Seeing actual work done. I use a M2 from Curves that calculates my calories everyday If I'm low at the end of my day I jump on the eliptical to finish. I use a odometer on my bike and heart rate monitor for my runs. At Curves I am on the Curves Smart and it tells me calories. This all pushes me.

Staying Consistant with Exercise

I exercise 3-5 times a week. If I slack on my exercises I feel more tired and down on myself. Even though I sometimes don't feel like exercising I push myself to do it and then I feel great afterwards. So I would saying that exercising is like giving a gift to myself.

How many reps to do when strength training

My trainer taught me this secret. I do three sets per machine/strength training exercise. The first set I do 12 reps at the lower weight, 10 reps with the middle weight and 8 reps with the higher weight.

On Rest Day Done some light cardio.

On the days you choose not to go to Gym. Do a leisurely walk around your neighborhood twice for a total of 20 minutes. One in the morning and 1 in the affternoon minutes each.

Pick up a Sport, outdoor activity or group exercise

If you feel aerobics, running or walking is a drudgery then pick an outdoor activity, a sport or group exercise. Use this once or twice a week to replace your aerobics.

Increase by increments

Instead of trying to jump my cardio, I set goals for myself of increasing by a small percentage over a period of time to let it become ingrained. This prevents me from hurting myself by straining something which has been a real issue for me since I started out to get healthy.

Parking

We have a "500 steps" parking area at work. That means that I get 1000 steps a day just by walking to and from my car at work! That's given me incentive to park further away wherever I go by car. It really adds up and I can get to 10,000 almost every day!!!

early in the am

I always exercise asap when I get up that way I cant procrastinate