Do you want to get fit?

I am always looking to vary my workouts to avoid boredom and fitness plateauing. I just recently bought a TRX suspension training kit. After watching the start up DVD and reading the set up manual, I took it for a test drive! I was totally in my element. TRX was designed by Randy Hetrick, a former Navy Seal on "location" using parachute straps. TRX builds strength, balance and flexibility, not to mention that it blasts fat. After minutes of being suspended in the air, balancing on one hand, I soon realized that although I am super stoked about the TRX, this type of training might make others want to vomit. It got me thinking about why and how people get fit.

There are thousands of excuses as to why people don't exercise daily, but with every single one of these reasons, comes a solution. The question is "Do you want to get FIT?" Ask yourself this simple question and if the answer is a wholehearted YES, examine the roadblocks that are keeping you from starting. Is there a reason you aren't starting today? Too tired, no time, injuries, intimidated or just plain lack of motivation? There are simple logical solutions to these problems, it is merely a mind over matter attitude. I promise, that once your "feel" how good exercise is for you, there will be no going back to a sedentary lifestyle. If the answer is "NO, I don't want to get fit" then you are digging yourself an early grave because you are on the road to DIS-EASE.

Too tired or no time? Get up just 10 minutes earlier and start with deep breathing techniques that will bring more oxygen to your system, then perform two sets of 15 simple abdominal crunches, followed by two sets of 12 lunges alternating legs and two sets of ten push ups. Done. Feel the difference and note your body-mind connection. You will be rejuvenated and ready to face the day.

When you are injured, it is generally in one area of the body. Rest this area, but work the rest of your body... You lower body should not suffer just because you have a sore shoulder. Be kind to your body by moving it, as this is part of the healing process!

If you feel intimated to start an exercise regime, then ask a friend to join you. There are power in numbers. Exercise buddies look out for each other and create an ambiance of security and comfort. I have lost count at the number of times that members of my group classes say "I really needed that class! I feel so much better now that I have exercised and at the same time had a chance to get my issues off my chest."

Lack of motivation is a big excuse for why people don't exercise daily. I can guarantee you that if you start by scheduling exercise in your day; like you do with the thousands of other commitments, such as going to the grocery store, dentist appointment, cooking dinner, attending your children's needs, it will soon become part of who you are and what you do and not be seen as a scheduled chore. It has to be something that you like to do so that you stick with it. Not moving, is not an option. Ten minute increments are just as good as extended workouts, so you don't need to do a block of exercise to get the benefits.

I hope that the next time you are asked the question, "Do you want to get fit?" you can answer with an enthusiastic, "I AM....fit, fun and fantastic!" What better gift to give yourself and your family?

Namaste

Welcome -Gratitude

Friends,
January is a time of resolutions, reflection, rebirth, rejuvenation and REPROGRAMMING. I begin the first of my weekly emails by saying WELCOME to a NEW YEAR! Let's begin 2010 by jumping off the scale and just taking baby steps to attain lasting results with regards to your health goals. Let's use this new year to rewire your brain to feel comforted by healthy behaviours. When we focus on just a couple small changes at a time (taking the stairs, parking further from the door, walking five minutes more everyday, doing mini bursts of strength training activities, such as dropping down and doing ten push ups, savouring your snacks), you begin to ingrain some healthy habits that last for a lifetime, rather than trying an all-or-nothing approach that fails because it becomes an arduous task. Trust me, you will feel stronger; inside and out!

One recent study from Kaiser Permanente found that people who received weekly emails about diet and fitness for 16 weeks substantially increased their levels of physical activity and intake of healthy foods like fruits and vegetables while cutting back on trans and saturated fats. Thus, for the next 16 weeks I will be your motivation to help you move more, eat healthy and look and feel better than ever!

TIP #1 of 16
Since this is the first of my emails for 2010, I feel it is appropriate to begin with the reflecting portion of what a new year brings. Think about everything that you are thankful for and focus on the positive things in your life. Grateful people report being more content and hopeful, which has direct health benefits. Start a gratitude journal. According to research by R. Emmons, Ph.D. people who write down what they're thankful for are 25 percent happier, exercise 33 percent more a week, sleep 30 minutes longer each night, and have 10 percent lower blood pressure. He suggests journaling for five to ten minutes three times a week. Think about the moments in your day big or small-that felt like gifts, and reflect on them.

For the next 16 weeks, I promise to be vigilant about my posts.