I resolve....
Today is a day that millions of people contemplate how to better their lives. This is a challenging task-especially if your resolution involves changing a 'behavior'. Below are some tips to help you succeed this year. The gray days and dark afternoons can take a toll on our psyches, so here are some tips for winter workouts!
The holidays are over and the cold weather has started to set in and many people find this time of year particularly difficult. There is no better way to beat the winter blues, improve your health and follow through on your resolution than by becoming active. Did you know that exercise; is thought to be more effective than anti-depressants in treating depression, reduces joint pain and your risk of dying before your time.
1. Set reasonable and healthy expectations for yourself. Expectations that focus on the INSIDE of your body rather than the outside. Do it for more energy, to benefit your heart or to reduce joint pain. Not to reduce your inches or weight.
2. Since it gets dark so much earlier, your body can begin to think that 3PM feels like 8PM, so shift your evening workouts to the morning or lunchtime so you don't skip them!
3. Don't let the winter months prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Try something new: cross country skiing (rent some equipment and trek to a public golf course for some fun terrain,) take a fun run outside (don't forget to protect your head with a hat,) spend some time ice skating to burn off some calories, or even try snow shoeing through the forest preserve!
4. Group exercise schedules at your gym usually change during the winter season-so try a new class!
6. Shop! Holiday shopping can help you get moving believe it or not. Set aside one morning or afternoon, park your car far away, and walk to all of the stores for a few hours of calorie-burning shopping.
7. Prevent boredom (Boredom leads to nibbling) by reading a book or starting a hobby.
8. Feed your body a reasonable amount of nourishing natural food at least three times a day to stimulate your metabolism, balance your mood and prevent binges.
9. On days that you don't want to exercise force yourself to do any activity for at just five-minutes. Chances are that once you start an activity you will enjoy it and continue for up-to thirty minutes- greatly benefitting your heart and quality of life.
10. Last but not least, know your limitations by looking at how well you do historically. Ask yourself if you would be better off enlisting the right support network of peers and professionals to keep you on the right track.
I hope these tips help keep you all active this Winter, burning calories, and staying fit as a fiddle!
Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
All of us at Mike George Fitness System & Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Weight Loss Program http://www.advocatehealth.com/body.cfm?id=9&eformid=58
www.mgfsinc.com
312-943-6700 |
