Fall is here! It's time for your clocks to fall backward, meaning you are gaining an hour. Now therefore is the time to get up early and start that exercise routine that will speed up your metabolic rate early in the morning, giving you more energy all day long and burning the most amount of fat. Though fall is the time of the year when it begins to get cooler, your workouts can get hotter and give you more reason to get out of bed in the morning. Exercising early before work also gives you greater mental clarity, relieves stress and allows you to socialize after work spending necessary valuable time with family and friends. Plus by exercising in the morning you won't have to wait in line to use the equipment at the health club at peak late afternoon and early evening hours. Alternative workout locations other than the gym might be in the home with an excerise ball, hand weights, pilates & yoga home videos, or stairs. To make your workouts more inspiring and aesthetically pleasing, consider running up and down the steps at the Cathedral, athletic arena or in the park where you can enjoy nature. To incorporate the social element with exercise enlist a friend to participate with you to make it more enjoyable. Tennis, raquetball, swimming, surfing, bicycling are all fun sports that you can do and also derive health benefits from. Even going on early morning brisk walks will benefit your heart, provide you some time for meditation and clear out the clutter in your mind, enabling you to focus on things most important in your life. Another option is to workout during lunch. Jogging and running are favorites of many at the office, not to mention those who work near the health club or have a corporate gym can also squeeze in some weight training and cardiovascular exercise. If working out at night is your only option and the health club is not appealing to you, walking, running or bicycling through the neighborhood is convenient. Remember to wear bright clothes for visibility and to purchase some reflective strips if your neighborhood does not have adequate street lights. Try to do at least one group activity a week to keep your level of enjoyment up. I personally like my latin dance class, kickboxing and yoga. Stretching is a most neglected component of physical fitness that I admonish you to incorporate in your routine before and after exercise, even if just for a few minutes to prevent injury. Exercise discretion with your fork when at the dinner table. Buy healthy choices when shopping for groceries, avoiding foods high in fat, sugar and salt. Opt for raw fruits and vegetables over cooked or canned. Prepare dinners the night before (after the workout) or have them prepared on a sat or sunday so that you eliminate that time spent during the week and use it for workouts instead. Ladies exercising outdoors would do well to carry a cell phone or a whistle for safety reasons. Even better exercise with a friend rather than alone. Exercise whenever, however, as often as you can. Keep it fun. Don't compare yourself with others. Be your pesonal best. Stimulate and challenge yourself. Find an accountability partner to report to weekly. Set goals and desirable outcomes, but don't stress over time deadlines in regard to achievement. Enjoy the journey and celebrate the process as you progress. There is no greater investment than taking care of the body your Creator gave you. You only get one so be a good steward of it. A healthy body is your most valuable asset. |
