Take the 'Work' out of Workout!

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”
Robert Collier

Everyone knows working out is an essential component to health and fitness, but it’s one that many avoid all too often. The key to a successful workout routine is to take the ‘work’ out of working out.

There are many ways you can be active and have fun at the same time.  All it takes is some creativity.  No longer are traditional gyms the best option and you don’t even have to set aside a big block of time to reap the benefits of activity.  A good thing to determine is what kind of workout animal you really are.  Are you an early bird full of energy in the morning?  One who likes to get your workout done first thing to avoid being distracted? Or are you a night owl?  One who likes to work out in the evening to relax from all the pressure the day brings?  

Do you like to work out alone or with friends or in a group?  Do you like to take exercise classes, enjoy nature, workout with a trainer? Do you get bored easily and need a variety of activities so you can switch things up to keep it interesting, or are you creature of habit that finds comfort in doing the same thing on the same days? Maybe participating in a team sport like volleyball or baseball is your thing.  Were there sports you loved as a kid? As you can see there is no right or wrong.

The most important thing about making activity a constant in your life is to do what you love and what you find fun! Because let’s face it, if it’s not fun, you’re not going to stick to it.

I personally am an early bird who likes variety.  I LOVE hot yoga.  I LOVE walking along the beach once a week with my friends (because getting outside and breathing fresh air is SO IMPORTANT no matter what form of exercise you choose). And I love to dance.  What tickles your fancy when it comes to exercise?  Really think about this …

Knowing these things about yourself will make a difference in your stick-to-it-ness.  And after all consistency with exercise is key. Studies show exercise has a myriad of benefits.  Here’s just a few:

Strengthening bones

Building lean muscle

Raising metabolic rate

Sleeping better

Stress reduction

Enhances moods

Strengthens cardiovascular system

Reduces cholesterol

Reduces blood pressure

There are all kinds of activities you can do.  Volleyball, jumping rope, power walking, dancing, hiking, bowling, skating, etc … I have one client who is the ultimate multi-tasker.  Being an extremely busy executive with long days she created the ‘mobile meeting’ – meetings with her staff while walking and talking.  Not only is she taking care of her business, she’s taking care of herself too and has lost 21 pounds to boot! 

For those who are short on time, the latest studies show that burst training is the way to burn fat and by working out hard for about 10 minutes a day 3-4 times a week.  Check out Dr. Pompa’s video!  I hope you’ll be as inspired as I was.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym7d2MzZ96I

No matter what you choose to do, remember to keep it fun!  Get creative!  There are hundreds of ways to exercise … to take the work out of workout!  What’s your favorite fun routine?