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DEL.ICIO.USExercisers’ secret weapons
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There seem to be about as many exercise books and plans as there are people in the United States, but no plan is ideal. In fact, some of the best exercise tips are ones that we figure out on our own. What’s the secret weapon that gives you the motivation to go that extra mile or to exercise on days when you’re just dead tired?
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By RunningRachel
June 16, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
What keeps me exercising is fourfold, with one online tool to keep me motivated. The first key is having a gym that is on the way home from work - I literally have to drive by the gym to go to work or to get home. A secret to choosing a gym is to join a neighborhood gym like a YMCA - you’ll be supporting and participating in your community as well as working out close to home. You’ll also have no excuses to skip the gym on the weekends if it’s nearer to home than to work.
The second key is to bring your gym clothes to work to change into them before you leave the office. That way there is no excuse that I don’t have the right shoes, or the right shirt to work out in that day. Never leave the house without your gym bag.
The third key is having a gym with a fully loaded schedule of classes also helps - If you can’t make the 5:30 pm, there a 6 pm; if you can’t make that one, have a small snack and attend the 7 pm. If you’re a morning exerciser, there are classes starting at 6 am too. Some people like to work out alone but I find that attending a step aerobics, cycling or BodyPump class gets you focused for a full 50 minutes or hour on pure exercise. Print your gym’s schedule and post it on the wall over your desk. You’ll look at it, I promise!
Another great tool is to use FitLinxx online - you can track your progress and it’s a great way to motivate yourself during the day - at lunch, take a couple of moments to log on and bask in what you’ve done. It will keep you on track.
The one last key is to reward yourself. As you continue to exercise, your body will change. Reward yourself with a great workout shirt, shorts, or new running shoes. Don’t choose something that’s unrelated to exercise as a reward (like food!), but something that will give you a little spirit boost when you put it on to go to the gym. It’ll just remind you that your hard work paid off.
Whew - sorry for the long post but it’s worked for me!
By E. Lewis
June 16, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this
I can’t afford most gym memberships in my area and it’s just too hot and muggy for me to walk right now. I’ll pick up my 2 mile a day “habit” once the weather cools off.
By Lady V
June 16, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this
“Happy Friday”
I pass by a park every day. I’m driving by watching the people walking. Thinking to myself, wish I had the time. Thanks “Running Rachel”. Starting, monday, I’m packing a gym bag & changing after work. Also, walking in the park I pass by everyday.
By RunningRachel
June 16, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this
Hey E.Lewis - I know that a lot of people walk in the mall - that way you can stay cool, get your miles in, and never feel like your going to get lost. I have a friend that walks a well-lighted, secure, covered parking deck during lunch… an interesting idea.
Lady V - remember to get yourself a nice water bottle so you can hydrate yourself. Hopefully you can find yourself a “walking buddy” - that will make the time fly!
By kgm
June 20, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
Try www.sparkpeople.com. This is a website that is free. You can set up an account and have meal plans as well as exercise plans also. Most of the resistance training exercises don’t require a lot of heavy weights. Maybe some free weights and resistance bands that can be purchased from Sports Authority. check it out!