Can’t find the
motivation to drag yourself to another aerobics class? To a jog
around the park? To another gym workout? The couch and TV
beckons?
You know you shouldn't even think of not
exercising. What you should do is re-think how you work
out.
The no pain, no gain mentality is out. Exercise
should not be a torture. Moderation is what's in and it's time to
ask yourself what's fun and what makes you smile.
High intensity exercises increases your
propensity to injuries. You can burn as much calories by walking,
dancing or jumping rope. The key is to finding an activity that you
want to do every day and fits your schedule.
Moderate physical activity burns off calories,
tones your muscles and produces "happy" endorphins. When you're
having fun, you become less conscious of actual calories that
you're burning, and more into actually enjoying the
workout.
If you're a person who likes company, find a
friend to join you on a walk or bike ride, or join a class that is
social, maybe meeting up for coffee afterwards. This way you're not
only working out, but connecting with friends and having
fun.
Get out of the gym and into nature. Plan a
weekend trip to a beautiful place where you'll be motivated to be
more active than usual, whether it's for a day hike at Bukit Timah
Nature Reserve, swimming at Sentosa, or going skating or biking at
East Coast Park.
It's also important not to be too rigid in your
workout routine. That can really spoil the fun and will only burn
you out in the long run. Instead, keep it simple by fitting
something in that fits with your schedule. A badminton or tennis
group that meets regularly means you don't have to constantly think
about it. It just becomes a part of your routine.
Remember, overhauls are not necessary as small
changes in your diet and lifestyle can go a long way. Here are some
ever-handy tips.
Reach for water - Replace one
sugary drink a day, like a 250-calorie Coke or a 200-calorie
sweetened iced tea, with a glass of water.
Start with cereal - people who
consumed high-fiber breakfasts ate less after breakfast and at
lunch than those who chose low-fiber, high-fat
breakfasts.
Pick up weight - Adding a little
weight to your walk helps you burn extra calories.
Skip the elevator - Aim to take
the stairs at least three times every day.
Make outings active - Instead of
arranging restaurant dinner dates, meet friends or family for a
walk or to go bowling.
You'll find that if you're having
fun, and enjoying yourself, it's actually a great way to have more
energy and enthusiasm for other areas in your life. Being fit and
happy helps you to be better prepared for another hectic
project!