Tips for Shaping Up

Here are some suggestions that might help you kick-start your workout routine. (Note: You should always consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.)

Clothes make the woman
Before you go to bed, lay out your exercise clothes. First thing in the morning, put them on. Doing this will eliminate a huge hurdle standing between you and your workout (many athletes say the hardest part of their fitness routine is lacing up their sneakers).

As time goes by
The thought of a 45-minute cardio routine leaves you breathless—and you haven’t done the warm-up yet! So set a timer for 15 minutes and just get moving. When the timer goes off, you’re done. Do 10 minutes if that’s all you can muster at first. You can build up your routine later as your endorphins kick in and your stamina improves.

Instant gratification
You can’t expect to have a brand new body after working out for 2 weeks. But, you can reward yourself on a regular basis. Put some of your favorite activities on your calendar (the ones that DON’T involve food!), such as going to a movie or getting a manicure. That way, you can pat yourself on the back and give yourself incentive to keep going.

A big mix-up
It doesn’t matter if it’s walking, doing yoga, weightlifting, or using the treadmill—what matters is that you get moving. A variety of activities can keep boredom away. It’s also important to find something that you really enjoy so you’re more likely to stick with it. If running isn’t your thing, try swimming or another activity to see what works best for you.

First things first
You remember that you need to infuse your son before his soccer game. But do you remember you need to exercise? Put exercise on your calendar. In a few months, you should be wriggling out of smaller sized jeans—not your exercise routine.

Misery loves company
Ok, fitness doesn’t have to feel miserable, especially when you have a friend (or two or three) involved. Many people won’t keep commitments to themselves, but they wouldn’t think of letting their friends down! Make plans to work out together, whether to a home video, at the gym, or just taking a walk.

Walk it off
You’ve heard it ad nauseum—but it bears repeating: Walking is a simple but effective form of exercise. And if you are overweight and just getting started, walking is safe and easy. If you’re having trouble getting started, set a timer for just 5 minutes. Start walking. When the timer goes off, go back home. Pretty soon, you’ll be walking further and faster (and leaving those pounds behind).

Goals, goals, goals

Many people make the mistake of picking a single event as their workout goal (for instance, fitting into that size zero bikini in time for Memorial Day.) Two problems with that goal: 1) It’s probably unrealistic and 2). What happens after Memorial Day? Take baby steps, such as dropping a dress size in a few months. It’s also crucial to have ongoing goals, so that when one benchmark is met, you’ll have motivation to keep up your fitness routine. Of course, after a while, looking good and feeling great, plus being a positive role model for your children, will probably be motivation enough!