No Excuses!

Part of my “New Year, New Things” motto is to continue to exercise and eat healthier. I hope I get other people to follow my lead. If it has to be a New Year's resolution lets start it with that. But once you start to put exercise and diet into your life, it will never leave. Slowly think of ways you can add exercise into your daily routine. If you have to write it down, then do it. There are applications on your cell phone to help you keep a weight loss journal. If you feel overwhelmed just jump right into a routine with the help of a professional or join a gym. Overall, it's not easy and you have to commit. Hey, if someone offered money every time you worked out wouldn't you work out and take the money? Think of the reward as confidence, better health, motivation, and inspiration to others.

My background stems from being an active cheerleader in high school never had a weight issue to deal with. In my mid twenties the stress of college, death, and illness added to my poor eating habits. I never got the freshman 15 it turned into my senior 15. The less active I became, the more I noticed the weight gain. Fast forward 5 years and I was already up to a size 14 when my average size was a 6. It became harder and I wasn't used to being overweight. Having shortness of breath, a gut, love handles, and a bad knee woke me up. My doctor even brought up diabetes being a factor if I continued to gain weight.

Here are some recommendations for beginners who need help exercising. This is just the beginning, we have more to do. Pace yourself!

1. Walking-If you are absolutely new to exercise, start by walking for just 10 or 15 minutes two or three times per day. Gradually add time so that you work towards one full 30-minute session. Don't worry about speed or pace in the beginning. Make consistency your goal.
2. Group Exercise classes- Greet the instructor on your first visit. Introduce yourself and explain that you are starting a new workout program. By connecting with him/her, you send a message that you are open to feedback and encouragement. The instructor may also provide extra guidance and modifications to make sure you are comfortable during class.
3. Machines-If you join a gym, you might find that some strength training machines are not made to accommodate a larger body. Even if you don't hire a trainer, the gym staff should be able to show you how to adjust equipment or use alternate exercises to work each muscle group.
4. Aqua Fitness-Your feet shouldn't touch the bottom of the pool when you aqua jog. This may seem counter intuitive, but you move forward in your lap lane only by moving your legs against the water. It takes more effort than you might imagine, so start slowly and increase the duration of your workout as you begin to feel stronger.

Good Luck!