Exercise is on my mind.
I’m talking movement on purpose this snowy cold winter.
I used to hibernate, clothed in multiple stretchy layers,
telling myself it was too cold to move,
and then panic in spring when I finally delayered,
to discover that my muscles had turned to mush
and none of my clothes fit?
I’m here to tell you that winter is a perfect time to become a regular exerciser.
Here’s why: EVERYTHING feels better when you’re fit and strong.
Seriously, I can’t think of a single thing that doesn’t, can you?
If you don’t even know what I’m talking about
because you’ve never felt fit and strong,
I have some great advice for you from personal trainer extraordinaire, Josh Flax,
who changed his body and his life direction when he discovered basketball.
Josh travels around the Toronto area helping his clients develop their very best bodies – he’s young, he’s creative, he’s knowledgable, and (bonus) he’s really cute!
I love Tip 6 where he advises us to “Treat your workout as an appointment to better yourself.” Seriously. I love this guy. Do it. Make an appointment with yourself to be the best you you can be. Or, if you live in Toronto, make an appointment with Josh to help you!!
And Tip 10 – “Be Proud”. Yes. I’m forever telling my clients and students to give themselves a “well done” hug! I can’t think of any disadvantage to choosing to be proud of ourselves. For ourselves. All by ourselves.
Read below for more of Josh’s tips, and let me know which one you loved the most.
And if you’re ready to dump all your excuses, excuse-busting is what I do (with lots of love and humour). Sign up for my phone class to join the regular exercisers/self-betterers of the world in just four weeks! We start Wed Feb 25 at noonEST/ 9.00PST! Click here to get the details!
10 TIPS FOR STARTING AND MAINTAINING AN EXERCISE PROGRAM by Josh Flax
When it comes time to initiate an exercise program there’s always an excuse. Here are some tips to help you start and maintain your exercise program:
- SET REALISTIC GOALS – Start small and regularly update your goals to continue to challenge yourself and achieve your milestones. For example, set a goal to complete 20 minutes of weight training 3 times per week. As you gain confidence in your workout program, try increasing to 30-minute workout sessions.
- START SLOWLY AND INCREASE ACTIVITY LEVELS GRADUALLY – People often make the mistake of trying to do too much too soon. This increases muscle soreness, which can intimidate some into giving up. Listen to your body to give yourself an increased chance for success.
- HAVE A WORKOUT BUDDY- This can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying your workout session and maintaining motivation. It allows you to compete, converse, and share experiences with another person.
- MAKE DAILY ROUTINES – If you eat at the same times everyday and go to sleep at around the same time every night, it’s easier to set new routines for yourself, such as designating times in the week to work out.
- EAT RIGHT – Eat healthy portions and foods when you are trying to maintain an exercise program is so important, because if you restrict your calories too much, you may slow your metabolism. Give yourself a good reason to continue exercising by eating proper portions and nutrients.
- MAKE APPOINTMENTS – Put your workouts into your weekly schedule. Treat your workout as an appointment to better yourself. You wouldn’t cancel an appointment with someone else so why would you cancel an appointment for you?
- MIX IT UP – Keep your exercise varied and fresh to maintain enjoyment levels and keep it fun. Try sports, biking, swimming, walking, etc.
- UNDERSTAND YOUR OWN ENERGY LEVELS – People tend to have a time of the day when they are most energized. Whether you are a morning person or an evening person, find your ideal exercise time, and you’ll increase your comfort level and mastery within an exercise session.
- BE PATIENT AND PERSISTENT – Healthy adaptations happen gradually. There’ll be times when it will feel like you’re not getting anywhere with your goals. Stay with it and maintain momentum throughout these times. Improvement takes persistence.
- BE PROUD – Maintaining a workout program takes hard work. Be proud of your achievements as you continue to improve yourself and don’t let others bring you down. Be strong and proud of everything you continue to work for.