Whether you are new to exercise or you took the holidays off and are now trying to get back to your old routine, the thought of “just doing it” could be daunting. Who wouldn’t rather stay in bed an extra hour in the morning or curl up on the couch in front of the TV after a hard day watching the Biggest Losers work out hard for your enjoyment? All the while, you may be saying to yourself, “I should do that. Tomorrow.”
“The hard part is starting,” said Lady of America’s fitness trainer, Natalie Brabner. “But once you do, you’ll feel great. It takes consistency and the commitment to constantly challenge yourself.”
No matter how busy your life may be, a positive mental outlook is an important foundation for your success. Setting aside a minimum of 30 minutes five days a week will get results. The first few days will not be fun, but you’ll just need to push through. After a few weeks of working hard you will start to notice the changes in how you move, breathe and feel. Staying with a program on a regular basis allows your body to burn stored fat, build muscle and improve your shape and health.
So here are some tips for putting one step in front of the other to help you reach a healthier you this year.
- Replace the words “I can’t” with “I can”
- If it’s cold or rainy outside, bring the routine indoors — whether at the gym or your home
- Every few weeks challenge yourself by changing your routine and increasing the intensity
- Learn to love to sweat
- Try things you’ve never done before….you just may like it
- Surround yourself with positive messages, inspiring words, motivational quotes
- Don’t expect miracles, like losing 15 or 20 pounds in a month.
- Set small mini goals to get you on track and reward yourself with a manicure or new workout shirt when you achieve them
- Ask a friend to join you at the gym or on a walk or bike ride
For extra motivation, read the lyrics to the Christmas song, Put One Foot in Front of the Other
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking cross the floor
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking out the door
You never will get where you’re going
If you never get up on your feet
Come on, there’s a good tail wind blowing
A fast walking man is hard to beat
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking cross the floor
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking out the door
If you want to change your direction
If your time of life is at hand
Well don’t be the rule be the exception
A good way to start is to stand
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking cross the floor
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking out the door
If I want to change the reflection
I see in the mirror each morn
You mean that it's just my election
To vote for a chance to be reborn
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March: Lucky & Charmed