Exercise

I just signed up to participate in a half marathon--now before you stop reading let me remind you that I've never RUN more than a 5 K (3.2 miles) so this is a huge undertaking for me.  Nor do I plan on running 13.1 miles-I only plan on FINISHING 13.1 miles (using a combination of running and walking).  As my pals have encouraged me "It's not about the LENGTH of TIME it takes to finish...and you can't finish what you don't start!"  SO...on 11-12 I will do a 13.1 (get it...11.12.13.1)

If you'd like to add exercise to your day here are some suggestions

Needless to say, don't begin any exercise plan with out the express consent of your health care professional

 

Make a list of activities you enjoy doing-

Walking, dancing, an exercise class, mowing the lawn, walking the dog, swimming, ballet, gardening etc.

Any activity that gets you off the couch is likely to be some form of exercise.

Sustainable activity must be enjoyable.

 

Get exercise by doing the things you are already doing-

Be more active during the day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Park in the back of the parking lot

Carry in your own groceries

Ask a friend to exercise with you or join an exercise class. This will  help to keep you accountable-

We'd jump in the pool at the end of a hot day
Eat a cold, sweet (low calorie) Popsicle
Take a warm (not hot) bubble bath and pamper your muscles 
I also sleep better on the days I was active

Good Luck, Get Going!  Exercise leads to weight loss, but don’t reward yourself after a good workout with food-

We invite other parents to walk with us at practice and even maintained summer sessions.  We remained active during the heat of the summer, when we didn't feel like it, because we knew people were depending on us to be there! 

We jumped in the pool to cool off or rewarded ourselves with a Popsicle (sweet, refreshing and low calorie)

Want to walk?

But unable to walk continuously for 30 minutes, try 15 minutes of walking in the morning and 15 minutes on your lunch break. Start slowly and work yourself up to your goal.

Want to Run?

Set your eye on a goal (mine is the half marathon in October.  I doubt I'll be ready to run 13.1 miles...but I practice each week with that goal in mind.

Invest in some good shoes, you'll be glad you did!

Aim to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week-
Put it on the calendar
Incorporate it with other activities, such as your child's sports practice.
But don't beat yourself up when family obligations prevent you from getting in a workout

See you at the finish line!