Make exercise a priority!

Where does exercise fall on your priority list? More than likely, it’s pretty low. Setting your priorities right is so important but putting yourself first is even more important. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as it sounds. There’s work, kids, errands to run and people to see. I get it, but what about yourself? Where do “you” fit in the equation?

Something a good friend of mine has been teaching me, is how being selfish is not all that bad. Saying the word “no” can actually feel good, you should try it sometime. 

Exercise is just as important as eating out with your friends. It is said that staying active can add years to your life.  Here is my advice to you: get your workout done first thing in the morning! So often, my friends tell me things come up throughout their day, or after work they’re just too tired.  What time a day works best for you?


Check out Fitness Fads Episode #1 featuring Cardio Barre. Join me as I count down the top 10 Fitness workouts that are keeping some of your favorite celebrities fit. Find out what Dakota Fanning is doing to stay fit.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbFQpkDtJFQ

Jump around at your own pace, take baby steps.

When planning your workouts, it's important to take baby steps. Think big, but not too big. So often, people get all excited, and then burn themselves out. If you are someone that is just getting back into working out, take it slow. Your body is like a car. If you have a car that’s been parked for a long time, most likely you will need to warm it up before you take it out for a spin, especially if it’s an older car.

 

Being competitive is great, but know who your competition is.  If you’re in your mid-40’s for example, the 21-year-old stud next to you is probably not going to be a good person to compare yourself with.

 

Many people have taken my classes, get discouraged, and give up because they can’t keep up. You are only as good as your body allows! Working out takes patience and most important, time. If you can put time into sitting on your butt watching your favorite television show, then you can put time into working out.  Here is my advice when you’re in your next exercise class: Find the oldest person in the exercise class and compare yourself to him or her.  Believe me you will feel like a million bucks!

Don't let injuries hold you back!

Everyday I hear excuse after excuse... My shoulder hurts, my knee is bad, I have a bad lower back. It's totally normal to pull this and that and also to have a bit of wear and tear on your muscles and joints over time. But why keep it from allowing you to stay fit? There are so many different kinds of exercises that will allow you to get just as good as a work out, you just need to open your eyes. Group X is the new wave of exercise workouts that are offered at most gyms. It involves everything: cardio class, spin, strength training, water aerobics and more! My advice is to try them out. Tell the instructor what injuries you have and he or she will give you alternative moves to help you get through the class.

 

While teaching, many people have asked me for alternative moves. After taking my class for awhile, people have found that the injury they use to have is no longer bothering them. The trick is to keep moving. Your bodies are just like cars, they need to be oiled up often to get those pistons working properly.

What do you do to recover from injuries?

Be a kid again!

How do you push yourself to do more? It's common to hear people complain, "Could we just take it easy in class today?" My favorite is, "I'm tired." It's hard for me to understand the reasoning behind taking the time to go to the gym, and then once you're there, being lazy. The hard part--getting your ass there--is over. Once you're there, make the most of it!

A good way to get motivated while at the gym is to find a work out buddy, someone who is at the same level as you so you don't get intimidated. You guys will push each other when the other is being lazy. It's a great alternative to a trainer and so much cheaper! Another good way is to find an activity you enjoy. Things like  rollerblading, riding a bike, hiking and swimming. These are all activities we did when we were younger. Be a kid again! Working out should be fun, not a drag!

What fun activity gets you to the gym?