Posts tagged: weight loss and exercise

That’s One Small Step for Weight-Loss

armstrongOn this 41st Anniversary of the first moon landing, let’s use those famous words to get moving.

Here is some more walking data to chew on. Walking is great because anybody can do it. It doesn’t really take any special equipment other than comfortable shoes and a watch to keep track of your schedule. There is a proper way to get the most out of it though.

Start every walk by doing a few stretching exercises so you warm up your muscles for 5-10 minutes. Then hit the bricks. Walk at a brisk pace that will get your heart rate up a bit and generate a sweat. Do that for 30 minutes then slow down to an easy speed for 5 minutes to cool down. Then finish by doing a few more stretches before hitting the shower.

On a couple of days weekly (like weekends) walk twice as long. If you can’t do that yet, work up to it.

It’s important to remember that you should never take no more than 1 to 2 days off a week. Believe it or not,  you’ll actually get hooked on the habit after 14 days.

It all starts with that first step. You’ll feel better, sleep better and make “one giant leap” to dieting success.

TODAY: DO I REALLY HAVE TO TELL YOU TO WALK AGAIN? I KNOW, I’M NAGGING.

Slow+Fast+Slow+Fast = Faster Diet Results

The burst exercise plan seems to have a greater effect on my bike. That’s when you do short 30 second bursts every few minutes while you’re walking, riding a bike, using a stepper… whatever you’re doing to exert yourself. Studies have shown that it increases the overall effectiveness of your exercise and gives you more residual calorie burning. It’s sort of exercise kinetic energy. That is, you get the locomotive going faster and it takes longer for it to stop.

Of course you will notice it because you will have the satisfying pore cleansing sweat for a bit longer when you’re done.

TODAY: DO SOME BURSTS WHILE YOU EXERCISE. (WALK, RIDE OR WHATEVER)

Dust Off The Bike

Okay, I admit it. I had stopped riding my bike for a while. It was because of any number of convenient excuses. Not enough time, too cold, too hot, too wet… too lazy. I actually had to get spider webs off the tires, (I hate spiders.) before re-inflating them. It was simply a matter of motivation. I know I have to burn more calories. The bike works for me. I had grown to really look forward to the rides, especially longer ones on Saturday mornings. But for some reason I lost interest and it took mustering up energy again to get back in the saddle.

You may have a stepper, rider, weights, skates, or walking shoes that need to be dusted off. Now is as good a time as any to get going again.  Take it easy at first. Getting stiff will just give you an excuse to stop again. Then watch your endurance go up and your weight go down. You’ll remember how. It’s just like riding a bike.

TODAY: START A NEW, OLD EXERCISE ROUTINE.

Exercise For a Positive Change

Don’t think of it as HAVING to exercise. Instead, focus on how you WANT to exercise so you can feel great. That’s because you will. You will sleep better, have more energy, a clearer mind and even a better sex life. Physical activity is good for you whether you are trying to lose weight or not. Keep it positive and you’ll end up looking positively great!

TODAY: THINK OF HOW GOOD YOU’RE BEING TO YOURSELF WHEN YOU EXERCISE.

Plant Your Diet

Spring has sprung. Now’s the time to get out and take advantage of it. This weekend get out and pick a spot for a garden. Clear the space, turn the soil, get down on your hands and knees and plant some veggies. Salad greens, radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, eggplant, whatever you feel like or have room for. Taking care of the garden will give you exercise, and eating the veggies will be good for you and your food budget too.

They were once called “victory gardens”. It can be your “diet victory”.

TODAY: START YOUR GARDEN.

Change It Up

Changing up your exercise routine is the best way to prevent a weight loss plateau. You ought to change it every 4 to 6 weeks. It will also reduce your boredom and keep you going. Since the weather is changing too, it will give you more opportunities. So decide on new exercises, a new route to walk, new places to go and a new attitude. Just get out there!

TODAY: PICK A NEW EXERCISE ROUTINE FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.

Carry Your Groceries

The next time you head to the grocery, skip grabbing a cart by the door. Just pick up one of those handy baskets. If you have a lot of shopping to do take two. (one for each hand) Then as you shop you’ll be getting more exercise by carrying around some weight. In addition to that you’ll be more aware of what you’re putting in the basket and may buy less food, threby eating less, losing weight  and even saving money. Of course don’t be tempted to buy just lightweight stuff or you’ll end up with more chips and Cheetos.

TODAY: DON’T USE A SHOPPING CART AT THE GROCERY.