If you’re like many women I know, then the idea of going to the gym is just torture! You’re exhausted after a long day of work, and then you have to take a detour to go to a gym….Uggh! But, like most women, we can all appreciate the importance of staying healthy and fit for ourselves and for our families. So what can you do if going to the gym just isn’t an option for you? Or rather, an option you know you’re unwilling to take.
Here are some tips:
Baby Steps: You don’t go from zero to sixty without getting burned out, so start small. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park toward the back end of the parking lot instead of scrambling to find the closest spot available, take the long way around the office to get to the water fountain. These little steps seem small but when you make these things a habit- they add up and they all help!
Play with the Kids: If you have children of your own then take advantage of the time you can spend with them while getting in better shape. Take them to the park and run around (instead of sitting on the park bench) or play catch in the backyard. Want to go retro? Take them to the toy store and buy fun games like twister or catch phrase- both of which require movement. How about teaching them those fun games you played in childhood, like ‘red light green light’ or ‘Simon says’?
Video Console: Instead of spending hundreds of dollars a year on a gym membership, invest in a Wii, Xbox, or PlayStation. There are an enormous range of interactive fitness games that you can play in the comfort of your own home. I love to dance so I bought the Zumba Fitness DVD and spend 30 minutes dancing my heart out- I’m having a great time and feeling good, but getting my exercise too! Enjoy tennis or love the idea of boxing? The possibilities are endless with today’s video games!
Walk and Talk: Every night after dinner (or every morning before you get ready for work), make it a habit to go for a 20 or 30 minute walk. If your significant other wants to come along or support you in your efforts, then use that time to connect! Single? Get on the phone with friends and catch up! Love music? Take your iPod and just relax.
Go Window Shopping: If you love shopping then spend an hour or two walking around your mall or outlet stores. Getting up and moving is key and the great part- you can tell your significant other that going to the mall on the weekends is part of your ‘getting fit’ routine!
Oh, and keep this in mind: Weight and fitness do not always go hand in hand! Many women who are very thin can often times be very out of shape and in poor health. Likewise, many women who may be a bit overweight can be in excellent health and in terrific shape. So remember that your end goal isn’t to look like a super model, it’s to feel good and to keep your body in tip top shape! Science proves over and over again that a good exercise routine (even a low impact one) prevents disease and illness and will help you to live a longer life! Cheers to that!
Here are some tips:
Baby Steps: You don’t go from zero to sixty without getting burned out, so start small. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park toward the back end of the parking lot instead of scrambling to find the closest spot available, take the long way around the office to get to the water fountain. These little steps seem small but when you make these things a habit- they add up and they all help!
Play with the Kids: If you have children of your own then take advantage of the time you can spend with them while getting in better shape. Take them to the park and run around (instead of sitting on the park bench) or play catch in the backyard. Want to go retro? Take them to the toy store and buy fun games like twister or catch phrase- both of which require movement. How about teaching them those fun games you played in childhood, like ‘red light green light’ or ‘Simon says’?
Video Console: Instead of spending hundreds of dollars a year on a gym membership, invest in a Wii, Xbox, or PlayStation. There are an enormous range of interactive fitness games that you can play in the comfort of your own home. I love to dance so I bought the Zumba Fitness DVD and spend 30 minutes dancing my heart out- I’m having a great time and feeling good, but getting my exercise too! Enjoy tennis or love the idea of boxing? The possibilities are endless with today’s video games!
Walk and Talk: Every night after dinner (or every morning before you get ready for work), make it a habit to go for a 20 or 30 minute walk. If your significant other wants to come along or support you in your efforts, then use that time to connect! Single? Get on the phone with friends and catch up! Love music? Take your iPod and just relax.
Go Window Shopping: If you love shopping then spend an hour or two walking around your mall or outlet stores. Getting up and moving is key and the great part- you can tell your significant other that going to the mall on the weekends is part of your ‘getting fit’ routine!
Oh, and keep this in mind: Weight and fitness do not always go hand in hand! Many women who are very thin can often times be very out of shape and in poor health. Likewise, many women who may be a bit overweight can be in excellent health and in terrific shape. So remember that your end goal isn’t to look like a super model, it’s to feel good and to keep your body in tip top shape! Science proves over and over again that a good exercise routine (even a low impact one) prevents disease and illness and will help you to live a longer life! Cheers to that!
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