Hot Exercise Cools You Down

Yesterday I told you to exercise in the morning. Now today I’m suggesting that you exercise at the end of the day. I know your thinking what the hell? Can’t you make up your mind? Well the truth is I’m trying to make up yours!

Just like the morning exercise gets you pumping, exercise late in your day will get rid of all the tension that has built up. A good brisk walk, or spinning on the exercise bike, or simply doing several reps of exercises will clear your head, warm your muscles and get you ready for a nice hot shower. It will curb your appetite some while relaxing you for when you go to bed for a good solid sleep. So you can get up early… and exercise!

TODAY: GET SOME EXERCISE BEFORE DINNER.

Get Moving In The Morning

A  little walk in the morning or even just a few stretching exercises will get you limbered up and your metabolism moving. It will also get your insides active to move some of yesterdays food through your system faster. So get up and get going. (In every way.)

TODAY: START THE DAY WITH SOME EXERCISE. ANY EXERCISE WILL DO!

Carry Your Groceries

The next time you head to the grocery, skip grabbing a cart by the door. Just pick up one of those handy baskets. If you have a lot of shopping to do take two. (one for each hand) Then as you shop you’ll be getting more exercise by carrying around some weight. In addition to that you’ll be more aware of what you’re putting in the basket and may buy less food, threby eating less, losing weight  and even saving money. Of course don’t be tempted to buy just lightweight stuff or you’ll end up with more chips and Cheetos.

TODAY: DON’T USE A SHOPPING CART AT THE GROCERY.

What’s Aerobic Exercise Anyway?

I know I’ve told you that you need aerobic exercise, but you may wonder what that really is. Well, aerobic exercise is when you do something at a faster rate than you normally do it. Like walking. Just strolling down the street is good for you. Doing it up and back and fast enough that your heart and lungs have to speed up to give you the needed oxygen and blood makes it aerobic.

The result of aerobic exercise is decreased cholesterol levels and blood pressure, more muscle tone and ultimately reduced body fat. It makes your whole body better, heart, lungs and even stronger bones. You’ll breathe easier and be much healthier.

TODAY: DO SOME AEROBIC EXERCISE.

So What’s Anaerobic Exercise?

I told you about aerobic exercise the other day. You also hear about anaerobic exercise. Anaerobic exercise might actually be a goal for your health if you are so inclined or physically fit.

Anaerobic exercise is exercise at a more difficult pace. You’re going all-out. Races are a good example, but it can also include weight lifting, jumping rope, and sports. All the things that would leave you really winded when you finish. If you get really fit it can be a real reward. You get that “runners high”. But if you’re not fit you get aches, pains and maybe worse. Don’t do it without a doctor saying you can. I’m just nagging you to exercise for general health and fitness and to burn calories to reach your goal, not to go for the gold.

Here’s a quick way to tell if you’re doing too much, too fast. You should be able to talk when you’re exercising. Just don’t talk about eating.

TODAY: TAKE A GOOD LONG AEROBIC WALK.

Get Started Slowly

You may have started an exercise program before and gone at it gangbusters on the first day. Then you were so sore that you waited to recover a day or so later and never went back to exercising. It happens all the time. I think it’s part of how the health clubs stay in business. (They need more members than people who actually use the facilities.)

There is a reason that a few years ago (sarcasm) you started with “baby steps”. An how you should start back at exercising now. With time strength, endurance, and fitness will return. Challenge your body by exercising just outside your comfort zone. When it’s no longer a challenge, do a little more or do it a little harder, faster or longer. That saying, “po pain, no gain” is not a benefit if it keeps you form staying with the exercise program.

But to borrow a famous bit of advertising… Just Do It!

TODAY: TAKE BABY STEPS, OR MORE STEPS.

Your Diet Is A Stretch

You need to do a bit of warm up before your daily walk to increase the effectiveness of the exercise and reduce any stiffness that might come later. There are just a few to do to give you a great start.

Hamstrings (back of legs)

1. Sit on the edge of your bed with one leg up and the other on the floor and reach with both hands until you feel the stretch in the back of the leg.

Calf stretch

1. Stand at arms length away from a wall and lean against it.

2. Put one leg straight back and the other bent under you.

3. Keep your back straight and lean your hips forward.

4. Keep rear leg straight with your heel on the ground.

5. Repeat for other leg.

Side stretch

1. Stand with both arms over your head.

2. Lean to one side, then the other.

3. You can also leave your right arm at your side and bend to the right while reaching your left arm reaches overhead, then reverse.

Torso twist

1. Stand with both arms out to side with elbows slightly bent.

2. Feet should be at shoulder width or slightly wider.

3. Twist your torso to the right and then the left, alternating back and forth slowly.

Quadriceps (thigh)

1. While leaning against a wall, reach back with your left hand and grab your right ankle.

2. Pull your foot back and away from your butt.

3. Repeat for the other side.

It really won’t take you long to do these. It’s a good way to start your exercise or even just your day.

TODAY: DO YOUR WARM UP EXERCISES.