The Exercise Hater's Workout!
Most of you know how passionate I am about exercise and nutrition. However, I am constantly reminded of the fact that I'm in the minority.
If you hate to work out, it doesn't mean there's little hope. Those who hate to work out simply need to participate in activity that's fun. Forget about the number of days you're supposed to lift weights or the number of days you're supposed to perform cardiovascular exercise. It doesn't matter what "must do" exercise formula any expert tells you to do. It doesn't matter, because you know and I know that you hate to exercise.
Today, we begin with a new slate -- clean and fresh and open to possibilities.
I'm providing six tips as well as a simple workout program that anyone can do. The workout is an option for those who want something quick and simple. This isn't about how to make you a cover model or the king/queen of transformation. Instead, it's an approach to make you healthier and a bit leaner in the shortest amount of time.
Here are six effective mentally pain-free tips for shaping up -- try any of them two or more times per week:
1. I have not met one person who hasn't fallen in love with the "Walk Away The Pounds" video series by Leslie Sansone. Leslie Sansone has a certain magical quality about her that's contagious. If you hate to workout, you'll have a complete change of heart when you perform one of Leslie's walking tapes. According to Leslie, "Staying fit shouldn't be intimidating or expensive." That statement is the foundation of her in-home walking fitness program.
2. Use technology to help get you motivated. Consider using guided MP3 audio workouts available from companies like iTrain and GYMp3. Some workouts offer calisthenics and cardio-only workouts, and other sessions offer guided yoga and Pilates routines. These guided workouts make exercising less boring and makes the time go by faster. In fact, iTrain offers 10 kinds of MP3 sessions, including the iStretch combination, which mixes yoga, Pilates and dance.
3. Belly-dancing classes are growing at a rapid rate. People are looking for alternatives to traditional movement and are looking to get fit while having fun. This is one option that will make you toss your treadmill out the window. You can even go to www.collagevideo.com and get some great belly-dancing videos that you can perform in the privacy of your home.
4. Walk in the morning for 15 minutes before work and then again at lunch or right after work. Studies show that it's just as effective as one 30-minute session. Think it's not enough? According to The American Council on Exercise, an eight-year study of 13,000 people found that those who walked 30 minutes a day had a significantly lower risk of premature death than those who rarely exercised.
5. We sometimes forget that we should participate in activity that simply makes us feel rejuvenated. There has been a surge in mind/body fitness classes such as Yoga, Pilates and the fluid martial art called Tai Chi. However, the latest trends incorporate more of a hybrid approach where modalities are combined. Combination yoga/Pilates classes that focus not only on breathing and flexibility (yoga), but also core strength and lean muscle (Pilates). This is a great way to improve flexibility, lose body fat, firm up and reduce stress.
6. Walk briskly at lunch time three days per week for 20 minutes. Don't get caught up in the fact that it's not enough. We're looking for consistency and a mentally pain free approach. You can walk with co-workers or just go out by yourself and clear your mind. Brisk does not mean speed walking -- it simply means at a bit faster walk than you're accustomed to. No need to add a fourth day, three days is just enough.
For those who want a formal exercise routine, I've constructed two simple 30-minute programs. You'll only be working out twice a week on nonconsecutive days.
The workouts are a balance between weight training and cardiovascular exercise. It's made up of exercises that will help make the most physical improvement. For this routine, you'll need access to a gym or have equipment in your home. eDiets members can access the Virtual Trainer on the fitness program for complete animations and descriptions of each exercise.
Next...The Plan
