As a fitness enthusiast and a person who’s constantly on the move, one of my favorite ways to ring in the new year is by finding new ways to add more activity into my life. My motto is that a little bit of focused exercise can go a long way, and that it’s important to keep your mind and body challenged with new and innovative ways to keep moving.
Maintaining a steady stream of movement in your everyday life will help to keep you energized, feeling good and most of all being happy. Since we think being active is so important for not only your mind but your body too, we’ve come up with our top 10 fitness goals for 2014.
Get Walking
Walking to work instead of taking the bus, or walking to the grocery store instead of driving the car when possible is a great way to burn extra calories. Though this may not seem like your typical exercise bout, finding more ways to burn more calories throughout the day by doing activities such as walking to your car and up the stairs can help to increase the total amount of calories you burn every day. Not only can it help to burn extra calories, but it’s a quick and easy way to boost your mood.
Seek out deals in your area
Looking for fitness/exercise deals (of which there are many in January) can be both affordable and fun. Trying a variety of different exercises can help you get in shape more quickly because both your mind and body are engaged. Look for sites like Groupon, Amazon Local, and advertisements in the local paper. (Hint hint we’ll soon be offering yoga classes of our own!).
Shake it up
Switching up your exercise routine can help to keep your mind and body engaged in the activity. Not only that, but switching it up can actually help you lose weight more quickly too. Try to vary your method of exercise throughout the week to include some yoga/stretching, cardio, and weight lifting.
Buddy up
Calling a friend/ family member to workout with you can not only help you both stay on track, but can make the workout more fun for both of you. The more fun the workout is, the more likely you are to stick to the routine and to accomplish your goals. If you don’t have a friend nearby, you can call one while you walk or run.
Take the stairs
Opting for the stairs over the elevator whenever possible can be a great way to burn extra calories. Research suggests that a 160 lb person can burn 10 calories per minute climbing stairs. Though this doesn’t seem like much, spending 5-10 minutes climbing stairs instead of standing in the elevator can help you burn an extra 50-100 calories per day.
Fuel up
Working out is essential for overall well-being and general health, but in order to work out to your fullest potential it’s really important that you refuel your body before and after working out. Something simple like a banana before you work out and a smoothie after you workout will really help with your recovery process and will help you to feel great too. http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/raspberry-avocado-smoothie/.
Rehydrate
Drinking fluids like water, coconut water, and even a fresh juice makes for a great way to rehydrate. Remember to drink at least eight, 8 oz glasses of water daily and if you’re working out to add an electrolyte-rich drink like this juice (insert recipe) or a coconut water.
Get lifting
Challenging your muscles to push harder and get stronger is one of the best ways to get leaner, lose weight, and feel great. Though it is often underestimated, weight lifting that includes both lighter and heavier weights or even body weight exercises can help your muscles and bones to become stronger. In addition to increased strength, one of the best benefits of weight lifting/resistance training is a revved metabolism. Muscle burns calories much more quickly than fat does, so get lifting!
Make time to meditate
Though it may not sound like the quickest way to get moving, meditation and yoga are essential for having a balanced mind a body. Having some time to take a deep breath, stretch, and recenter can help you stay on track with your new years plan to get moving. We at Wellness Guides believe strongly in why it’s important to take time to meditate- check out another one of our Nutritionist’s posts about yoga: https://wellnessguides.org/5-reasons-to-do-more-yoga-in-2014//
Enjoy your active time
The more you cherish and enjoy the time you spend moving, the more likely you are to stay on track and to keep moving. Though it can be hard sometimes download your favorite tunes to your ipod to keep you grooving and having fun throughout your exercise bouts.
Here’s to a healthy and happy New Year!
