Digi-Walker

A while back, I wanted to start to exercise. I knew that I wouldn't be able to get to the gym religiously or do some strenuous aerobics. So, I said to myself, what will I be able to commit to, and stay committed to? Walking. That was going to be my key. I really enjoy walking, and I know that I can force myself to do it and enjoy the results. But, how much should I walk and how fast? Research has shown that a brisk 20 minute walk everyday will do the trick. And then I found a great little toy. The Digi--Walker. Someone did some research and concluded that rather than saying you should walk for 20 minutes a day, you should walk for 5000 steps a day. 5000 steps means that you've fulfilled your exercise for the day - and some of this time is just when you are running after the kids, picking up the laundry and cooking dinner. I found this idea quite exciting. It comes as a little digital piece that you can hold in the palm of your hand. You clip it onto your pants or skirt, set it to your stride, and walk away. And throughout the day I found myself challenging myself to get to the next hurdle - 3000 steps, 3500 steps - come on you can do it - get to 4000 steps! It's a great little piece to create incentives. And, it makes you feel great when you collapse at night and see that you've walked 9000 steps!
To see more about the Digi-walker Pedometer go to www.digiwalker.com or call 816-353-1852.
Enjoy a walk today!

Creative Ways to Get Moving

You may not love to exercise, but you probably don't realise that there are some simple ways to get more exercise into your daily routine without even trying. We all have routines and habits. Try some of these suggestions and see if they invigorate you, or at least get you moving a bit.

1. Stairs - Anytime that you go into a building that has stairs - take them. If you work on the fifth floor of your building, commit to taking the stairs once a day rather than riding the elevator. After awhile, try to commit to only taking the stairs. This seems like a little thing, but it can make a big difference and get your heart rate up a few times a day. Many of us feel like we don't have time to exercise - but if we thought of our entire day as an opportunity to exercise, we would find that we do have time here and there.

2. Parking your car - You know how we all try to park our car close to our destination? I've found myself circling the mall ten times looking for just the right spot so that I can be close to the front door. What am I thinking? Instead, I am going to start to park as far away as possible. Is it true that I really can't afford the extra seven minutes it will take me to get into the mall? Seven minutes there and seven minutes back will give me 14 minutes of walking - that's a good deal better than not having 14 minutes walking. Try this idea. First of all, it will make you less stressed about finding the perfect spot at the mall, the movie theater, etc. And second of all, it will allow you to get in some extra exercise.

More ideas to come - these are just a few to get you started. Think of other creative ways to incorporate movement and exercise into your life - you'll be glad that you did!

Get Up and Going!

Ok, so you don't love to exercise, but you certainly want to lose weight and get into shape. There are 12 million books out there that tell you how to do this and each one has its own advice and recommendations. So, let's keep it really simple.

1. First - you need to change your mindset. For real. You are trying to get healthy so that you will have energy for your kids, energy for yourself, and will live a long time. Period. That's it. You are not trying to be a glamour queen. You are not trying to fit back into the jeans from 1982 that you wish you could just wear again one time. Losing weight and getting fit become much easier when you change your focus. America is a fat country. We need to get into shape so that we will be around to enjoy our lives - not so that we can fit into some jeans.

2. Exercise - If you can't get yourself to change your eating yet, at least start to get out there. Research has shown that only 20 minutes of exercise a day can really make a difference in your life. 20 minutes! And this can be 20 minutes of walking, swimming, aerobics, anything! If you really hate to exercise and have never gotten yourself to do something consistent, try to walk for 20 minutes a day. Set a time for yourself each day, put on your favorite music on a CD or grab a walking partner and get started. When people think about exercise they think that it's going to take so long, and be so rigorous that it's not even worth trying. But, it is worth trying slowly. 20 minutes a day can't hurt you, and it's bound to help. And, you'll be surprised to see how much better you feel getting out there, getting your lungs going and feeling the air. If you live in a cold place - try going to the mall for those 20 minutes on winter days. No one ever said you can't burn calories while window shopping.

Get out there and enjoy. There will be much more to come about fitness and exercise, but this is a starting point. Try these two things and see if they make a difference in your mind and your attitude. What have you got to lose? Just weight...