Lady of America Newsletter - March 2009

Lucky & Charmed Issue

FITNESS:

Excuse-Proof Your Workout

It takes six weeks to form a habit. Starting a workout plan for women isn’t that hard, but sticking to a workout schedule is. After weeks, maybe months, of enthusiasm and optimism, the commitment wanes. Life often times gets in the way and excuses become the norm; fitness gets put off “until tomorrow.” The problem is that once you start putting your fitness goals on the back burner, it becomes harder to move it to the front burner.

How can you excuse-proof your workout schedule?

1. Mix it up. Do a variety of activities that you enjoy. Women’s fitness centers like Lady of America and Ladies Workout Express offer a number of classes in a friendly and high-energy environment. Try yoga, spinning, kickboxing, pilates, step. Experiment and have fun. Outside the gym, try walking, running, tennis, hiking, softball. These are all great workout plans for women. To make it a habit, stick with it for six weeks.
   
   
2. Get an exercise buddy. Committing to another person pushes you to keep the exercise appointment. After all, someone else is depending on you for motivation and support. An exercise buddy can be a personal trainer, friend, coworker, gym buddy or anyone that can help push you toward fitness goals.
   
   
3. Make yourself a priority. You probably put everyone and everything first and you fall somewhere on the bottom of the priority list. This year, make yourself #1 by making “me time.” If you don’t make yourself a priority, who will?
   
   
4. Make exercise a priority. Just like putting yourself at the top of the list, you need to place exercise up there, too. Make it non-negotiable with everyone — family, friends, work and yourself. Even though you may be tired or stressed, you must go. It’s your time to do something good for you. Take advantage of it.
   
   
5. Make it a game. Challenge yourself and set mini goals. When you reach the goal reward yourself. Some ideas? A new workout outfit, a facial, a CD. The reward can be anything, except food related!
   
   
6. Recognize the benefits. You will find you have more energy. Your clothes will begin to fit differently. The number on the scale will start to go down. You will decrease your chances of certain illnesses, like cancer, heart-related and more.