Fitness Motivation : Are You a Fair Weather Exerciser?
When the roads are icy, rain is beating down and the wind is blowing right in your face, the natural reaction for many of us (including me) is to batten down the hatches and snuggle down in front of the TV.
After all, the day when you have to reveal the results of your laziness on the beach seems a long way off.
But try and curb the temptation to be lazy because it really won’t be long before you’ll regret it.
If you think about it logically, there’s no need to exercise outside anyway unless you really want to risk slipping on the ice and catching pneumonia.
If you are a member of a gym, make the most of the opportunity you have to use the equipment at your disposal – the crowds will have thinned out by now since the joining hysteria in January and it should be a lot pleasanter there.
If you don’t have gym membership, then there are plenty of workout options that you can do at home (with or without equipment) which will get you just as fit as any gym and getting to your lounge or basement will take up less of your precious time. (See all the suggestions for working out at home in “27 Ways to Get Fit for Free“) .
In just 2 – 4 months when the fair weather arrives (depending where you live) you will be so pleased you made the effort when you reveal toned arms, firm thighs and flat abs.
Or you can stay in front of the TV and feel out of shape along with 95% of the population when April comes around.
Don’t ever accept being less than you could be. You deserve better than that!
30 Second Fitness Tip: Boost Your Workout Before You Start
According to a study (Stover, B. et al. 2003. Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology, 28 suppl s105) nearly half of all exercisers are at a disadvantage before they begin their workout and most don’t even know it.
How’s that?
Well, they arrive at their workout dehydrated.
Most of us know to drink fluid during and after a workout but did you know having a glass of water an hour or so before your exercise session makes your routine more effective?
How much should you drink?
The recommended amount of fluid to drink an hour before your workout is 17 to 20 ounces according to the National Athletic Trainers association.
There have been a few studies performed by those who sell those sports drinks (it figures) showing we don’t drink enough before, during and after our workouts because we find it hard to stomach plain water.
The thing is, water is the healthiest fluid to drink, and you really don’t need anything more expensive unless you are doing something more strenuous than most of us ever manage.
Not drinking plain water is a bad habit that a lot of us have got into in recent years.
Try drinking water at different temperatures. Some like it ice cold while others find it goes down more easily at room temperature. You can also have a cup of hot water with a slice of lemon if you need a warm drink.
Sporadic Running
Every year or so I decide to get fit by running rather than whatever I am doing at the time (like walking or rebounding or stepping or nothing).
Last year, I even trained for a 5K race and enjoyed the whole training and event.
At the end of the race I would even say I was euphoric what with all the spectators clapping and the happy hormones kicking in.
And then after the race I never ran again.
What’s the problem then with running being a regular part of my fitness routine?
Well, it seems that no matter how gradually I train, how well cushioned and fitted my shoes, how good my running style, I end up with sore ankles and sometimes knees.
And that’s just running 3 times a week for 30 minutes. At times (although not all the time) I get so sore that I can’t even walk properly and am out of action for a few days at least.
And so that creates a bit of a conflict.
You see fitness for me is about being healthy not just fit and I suspect that running is not actually that good for me.
After a while, of course, I forget about the injuries, the slightly warmer and less rainy weather of spring returns and running starts to look like a good idea again.
So if you hear I’ve taken up jogging again don’t be surprised. But also don’t be too shocked to hear I have given up again after a few months despite all the motivation tricks I know about “just doing it”.
10 Second Fitness Tip : Mini Workout at Your Desk
Are you slouching over your computer?
Sit up straight like your mom taught you!
Good posture at your desk means you’re engaging the core muscles in your stomach and back as you sit. And you’ll be getting a mini workout without taking up any extra time at all. Plus you’ll look like you instantly lost 10lbs and guard against a sore back.
That’s the theory behind those exercise ball chairs
I suppose sitting on a ball is bound to make you work harder at staying upright in case you land on the floor with your legs in the air (very undignified!)
Anyone tried one? Leave a comment and let us know how it worked for you…
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