Make Sure You Find The Time To Move

Did everyone see the news yesterday about the fact that only 20% of Americans get the recommended amount of exercise? What’s really scary is that almost 30 percent of us don’t get any exercise at all, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control. Of course, only a lucky few moms have a seemingly unlimited amount of time to exercise (Hello, Gwen Stefani….Reese Witherspoon?).

The rest of us out here in the real world have waaaay too much to juggle and even if it’s a priority, chances are there are many days when it’s a scramble to find a place for “exercise” on that jam-packed calendar.

The good news is that you can fit in exercise while you’re, say, catching up on Modern Family. All you need are a couple of sets of dumbbells (this super compact set from Jillian Michaels is available at Wal-Mart ( it practically fits in a shoebox!) and a jump rope, like this one from NordicTrack http://tinyurl.com/4ka2yg3.

Start by doing 100 turns with a jump rope. Next do 15 squats while holding 5 or 8 pound dumbbell in each hand. Then add on 2 minutes of marching in place or jogging, kicking your heels up toward your butt. The next combo might be set of biceps curls followed by 1 minute of jumping jacks, and so on. Since you don’t rest between moves, your heart rate stays elevated the whole time and that really burns calories.

I also love Minna Lessig – Total Body Toning – 1 Minute Workout. All you do is stick in your player or computer and then choose the body part you want to exercise and for how many minutes. It magically customizes a workout for you. And since there are 115 different moves, you never have to do the same workout twice!

Whether you’re deciding on your own moves, or using a DVD, start with 15 minutes of exercise and over the course of two months or so, work up to 30 minutes. That’s all you need to do on most days of the week in order to meet the minimum guidelines for health. You owe it to yourself and your kids.

Easy Ways To Fit In Fitness

When you think about getting fit, you probably have a vague idea in your head that includes going to the gym a few times a week and maybe eating a little healthier. But if you really want to get the most out of your fitness journey, there are some specific things you can do to set yourself up for success. Here are five easy ways to make sure you’re getting the most out of your efforts:

1. Set A Goal – One of the biggest mistakes people make when they’re trying to get fit is that they don’t set a specific goal. They might say they want to “lose weight” or “get stronger,” but without a concrete plan, it’s easy to get discouraged and give up. Instead, try setting a realistic and achievable goal, such as losing 10 pounds in the next three months or running a 5K race. Having a tangible goal to work toward will make it much easier to stay motivated and on track.

2. Find A Workout Partner – One of the best ways to stick with a fitness routine is to find someone to do it with you. A workout partner can hold you accountable, offer support and motivation, and make the whole process more enjoyable. If you don’t have any friends or family members who are interested in working out with you, there are plenty of online communities and forums where you can find a workout buddy.

3. Join A Gym – if working out at home is more your style, consider joining a gym. gyms provide a great environment for getting fit, with all the equipment you need to get a good workout, as well as classes and other amenities that can make working out more fun. If you’re not sure whether a gym membership is right for you, most gyms offer free trials so you can try it before you commit.

4. Get A Fitness Tracker – A fitness tracker can be a great way to track your progress and see how far you’ve come. It’s also motivating to see how many steps you’ve taken or how many calories you’ve burned in a day. There are a variety of fitness trackers on the market, so find one that has features that are important to you and that fits your budget.

5. Make Time For Fitness – One of the biggest excuses people make for not working out is that they don’t have time. But if you’re really serious about getting fit, you need to make time for it. Schedule your workouts into your calendar like you would any other appointment, and make sure you stick to it. You can also try breaking up your workouts into smaller chunks of time throughout the day if that’s easier for you.

By following these five simple tips, you’ll be on your way to achieving your fitness goals in no time. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

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