Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Benefits

I only see clients for an hour anywhere from 1-4 times a week, and you need more than that to get the perfect body! You need to workout on your own (even if that means walking to the grocery store or taking the stairs everyday), plus you need to eat right. I always say a healthy diet plus exercise equals success! Now here is a list with some benefits that might help you get started... 1. Warm up. The first step is to get the body moving. Whether its on a treadmill, walking up stairs, planks, or slow lunges and squats. 2. Breathe. The breath is what circulates oxygen in and out of our bodies, thus creating space in our lungs to control movements and achieve more momentum throughout our workouts. 3. Have a goal. Having a goal in mind (aka "I want to focus on my stomach" or "I want a better and more lifted behind" or "I want leaner arms") is what will help you focus on the areas in your body you want to work and create a more specific workout routine. 4. Stay with it. The workout doesn't end when you walk out the studio or gym door - take the focus with you all day. Try to walk taller and straighter, breathe deeper, and remember how important posture makes you appear and feel. 5. Eat healthy. Your diet is not just a fad, it should be your lifestyle. Eat the way you want to feel. Want to feel greasy? Eat a cheeseburger with french fries. Want to feel lean? Grab a smoothie or a salad (make sure each of these has some sort of lean protein in them!). If you're hungry grab an apple or banana. Pretzels and chips will leave you hungry and craving more, verses filling you up. Be smart and realize that without the correct food intake, your exercises regime is not helping you create a better body, but just making up for all the unhealthy foods your putting into it. 6. Be happy! Follow a routine that works for you and actually have fun doing! Dance, pilates, running, kickboxing, hiking, swimming--enjoy what you do and you will stick with it! Working out with friends is a great way to stay motivated AND happy! What are your benefits to a healthy lifestyle, or what is in your everyday routine that you feel is beneficial for you? Please post your responses so that others can learn your tricks and tips! :)

2 comments:

  1. I agree with your get started list, but I also want to add that it is important to: reward yourself- whether that be a new outfit, some frozen yogurt, magazine subscription, movie date night, mani-pedi... or whatever! Rewards work that's why grade school teachers give kids stickers and notes home for good behavior!

    I think that it is also important that we learn to accept the compliments that people give us while we start and maintain our new healthy routine. It is easy to brush compliments off,or not hear them because we ourselves may not notice them!

    Thanks Jess! You inspire and motivate me to remain healthy!

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  2. I couldn't agree more about the "reward" system--especially when you're first getting started on your goal and seeing results. So glad you wrote this and added it in here for others to see and get ideas. Thanks Layla! :)

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