It happens to all of us. You had a day (or week) where junk food called your name. Maybe it was that craving for cheesecake or the extra cocktail. Maybe you were stuck at the office and couldn't get in your daily steps. Don't beat yourself up for it. Today is a new day and the beginning of a new week to start again. Here are some ways to make your fitness journey successful.
1. Don't go two days in a row without at least 30 minutes of exercise. It doesn't have to be in a gym (think walking, jumping jacks, running on a treadmill, dancing). Aim for a weekly total of 150 minutes of activity.
2. Eat thoughtfully. Examine whether your eating habits help you or hurt you (ex. - making an omelet vs picking up donuts for breakfast?)
3. Get a partner to encourage you and join in your fitness goals. That person should be your go-to whenever you feel lazy or tempted to give in to an unhealthy craving. Find that person that will congratulate you when you tell them you did 5 push-ups or you ditched soda for water.
4. Forget about the word DIEt. All DIEts have an end date (when I lose 10 lbs, when I fit my size 4 pants, when the wedding day comes, when I go on vacation). Once that end date comes and goes, then you are likely to return to your previous habits. Instead embrace HEALthy living. Develop HEALthy habits that work towards continuous goals such as longevity, more energy, feeling good about yourself and looking good too!
5. Push yourself to try something new. If you go to a gym and you feel intimidated by a machine or exercise, ask a trainer to help you and explain what it does - that's what they are paid to do. Enroll in a salsa class with your mate or by yourself. Schedule in your calendar a run/walk in the park or around your neighborhood. Try the yoga class given in the library. Rent a bike to ride on the boardwalk. As long as it makes you move and elevates your heart rate, it will have a positive impact.
