Note: this piece first appeared in the September 2008 issue of Clark Wellness ForkBytes.
I’ve always found that September is a great month for recommitment. After a long summer of relaxing and running around, vacationing, and irregular routines, September is a wonderful opportunity to rededicate energy and time to self-care. Early fall is often when I find myself revisiting the goals I made for the new year in January and adjusting them to account for any new patterns in my day or week that have come up since then. For me, as well as for many of my clients, this invariably includes a change in one’s physical activity routine.
That’s why I’m so please to introduce you this month to personal trainer Ariane Hundt. Ariane has contributed great tips in her article below to inspire and motivate you to invite physical activity back into your life, no matter where you currently are.
Getting Psyched Up for Exercise
by Ariane Hundt
So, you think exercise is about as appealing as studying for a statistics exam? There are many reasons why you might hate exercise: Sweating, feeling lazy or tired, not having enough time, or maybe you weren’t happy with the results the last time you tried. You have your reasons, but let’s see if you change your mind after discovering some amazing benefits of exercise:
Looking fine: Do you want to have a strong and defined body? Here’s the news. You need to lift weights to get muscles — yes, even girls. Hit the gym twice a week for a full-body workout. The great thing about muscle is that it takes up less space than fat, and one pound burns about 50 calories a day!
Have fun: Believe it or not, exercise can be fun! Getting your friends together for a road race, rock climbing or wild water rafting, having a pool party, or playing beach volleyball are all fun ways to exercise without knowing it.
Pump it up: Cardiovascular exercise, such as running, walking, jumping rope, biking, or swimming improves the efficiency of your heart. If you commit to at least three weekly cardio workouts for four weeks of regular exercise, your heart will pump more blood per stroke — a sign of great fitness.
Combat the bulge: Running burns an average of 100 calories per 10 minutes. What better way to work off extra calories than going for a run in the park?
Are you beginning to change your mind yet? If you adapt these ideas you’ll get off the couch and onto the treadmill in no time:
- You don’t have to love exercise to do it: Many people who exercise don’t do it because they love it so much, but they do love the way they feel after they’re done. That’s what motivates them to go to the gym.
- Make the connection: Once you realize how good you feel after working out, you will want to keep that feeling. This will motivate you to continue your routine. Did you know that exercise boosts your self-esteem and makes you feel better about your body?
- Plan for little, do more: If you are overly enthusiastic and plan seven workouts a week but never get around to doing even two, go back to the basics. Plan realistic workouts, such as running twice weekly for 30 minutes and 20 push-ups and sit-ups per day. Once you’re in the gym, you’ll want to keep going while you’re already there.
- Think positive: Sure, watching TV may seem more appealing than working out, but which will make you feel better long-term? Think about what’s best for you long-term because sometimes what makes you feel good immediately isn’t necessarily good for you — just think of that bag of fries. Keep the focus on your goals and you’ll discover what feeling good is all about.
Ariane is a dynamic Personal Trainer, certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). She has a refreshingly interactive and comprehensive approach in helping her clients achieve optimal health and the physical self they desire. As special contributor to Goalquest.com, she writes articles on nutrition, fitness, and wellness and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in nutrition. She has recently been featured on NBC, Fox 5 News, ABC News, CW11, and the New York Times as the creator of NYC’s toughest new workout, the Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp. Visit Ariane’s website!
