The sun is
shining, the air is warm, people are beginning to chant, “Spring is on the way,
spring is on the way…” There are signs of spring all around, in fact during a
recent visit to my local fitness center, all of the treadmills were occupied.
This was a sure sign that people were ready spring into fitness by getting into
shape for the warmer weather.
Have you
ever said, “I’ll get in shape after the holidays” or “I don’t have time to work
out?” Maybe those were my words as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year
celebrations came and went. Reality set in as I tip-toed onto the scale, hoping
that would help my weight to register lower. It didn’t work. Nor did standing
on one foot while maintaining a yoga pose.
I believe
someone has given me their extra unwanted pounds and I desperately want to give
them back. If you know who they belong to please have them claim their
property. Until that happens WE can begin to change the way we look at
exercise. I say WE, because I’d like company on this journey.
You may be
wondering how you can include exercise in your daily routine when you are so
busy. The key is to get up and get your body moving. Here are a few things I’ve
found helpful.
1. Play Hopscotch – draw a hopscotch
grid on the sidewalk and get a game started with your child. If your child is
not around, play anyway and if someone happens to see you, just pretend you’re
waiting for your child or somebody’s child to join you. While out walking the
other day, I walked past a hopscotch grid one of the kids from the neighborhood
had drawn. No one was around as I took a turn at jumping over all the numbers
on the grid.
2. While watching TV, get up and dance
during the commercials - this could bring on a bout of hysterical laughter
which in turn works your stomach muscles. I experienced this the other day as I
danced in front of the mirror. I soon discovered that I was not keeping up with
the beat as I thought I was. As I watched my mirror image, I was reminded of
those foreign karate movies that are translated to English. You know the ones,
where the actor’s lips are still moving after the voice has stopped.
3. Go for a walk after dinner – no explanation
needed.
4. Housework – yes it’s the dreaded “H”
word, but it works. Wash dishes by hand rather than using the dish washer;
sweep the floor with a broom rather than use the vacuum. Fold a load of laundry.
Okay, only use this tip if you absolutely can’t find another form of exercise.
What other
thing would you suggest as ways to add exercise to you daily routine?
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