Ty Howard
The New Year is here and getting in shape is one of the things many people vow to do at the start of 2017. Not all who start this journey to better health and fitness will succeed, but you have a better chance of doing so if you choose one or more of these five simple, yet fun ways to get fit and stay in shape in 2017:
1. Try a Fun Exercise You Can Do At Home
When you hear the word exercise, you usually think of going to the gym or doing aerobics, but there are some fun types of exercise that will help you to stay in shape and not get bored. One of those is called Zumba. It’s great for those who love to dance, as it combines dances like Salsa and Merengue with movement to help you burn fat while you shake your booty to a rocking Latin beat! Just buy a DVD or find a class in your local area.
Or try hula hooping. Yes that 50’s activity a lot of kids did is now an exercise craze, again. All you need is a hula hoop, and for this workout you should buy a special weighted one meant specifically for exercise. There are plenty of DVDs showing you how to do this in order to lose weight and stay in shape.
These are only two of the fun and easy exercises you can try in the comfort of your own home.
2. Skate Your Way to A Better You
Skating is an alternative to jogging, as it doesn’t hurt the joints as much and it is still a great way to work out and have fun. Plus, it burns a lot of calories too! You can actually burn more than 300 calories an hour with ice or inline skating. It’s also a great stress reducer and we all need to get rid of stress. So, buy a pair of skates and get moving! Grab a friend and bring them along and make it a fun day for the both of you.
3. Choose an Exercise App
Most of us are glued to our smartphones, so why not use it to help you get in shape? There are dozens of apps out there that work with Android, iPhones, iOS and even those that work on your PC if you don’t want to use your smartphone; some are even free. Pick the one that you like best and get moving! Soon you will start to feel healthier and happier in no time.
4. It’s OK to Do Short Workouts
Doing hours of exercise in the gym is not something most of us have time or energy to accomplish, so do not give up on getting into shape if you only have a few minutes a day to spare. It is okay to start out with only 15 minutes of exercise a day, for instance, do some stretching, sit-ups, leg-lifts, hop on the treadmill or power walk in your neighborhood. There are also DVDs that offer 15 minute or less workouts you can try, and it all adds up to a better and healthier body.
5. Easy Exercise to Add to Your Work Day
For those of us who have a 9-5 job, there is always the stress of trying to fit in your exercise sessions. Why not just incorporate some little steps into your day instead? For instance, park your car farther away from the door and walk, or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Both ways will help you add up those 10,000 steps that are recommended for you to do daily to get fit and stay in shape.
You can also get one of those portable stepping machines that fit under a desk and peddle away while you do your job, this way you are getting in shape and still getting your work done. Or try one of those new standing desks that allow you to do your work in a standing position instead of sitting on your butt all day.
Another very important part to the getting and staying fit equation is you must 'consistently' eat healthier and drink lots of water each day. Stay away from processed sugars and junk foods. The health authorities recommend that we drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon. This is called the 8×8 rule, a regimen that is easy to remember. Also, keep in mind when you're working out or being more active than normal, you are going to sweat. This means your body will be losing water. The body is 60% water, and it's your responsibility to keep yourself hydrated by replenishing the water your body loses and needs to stay healthy.
The bottom line is that we all could benefit from doing things to lose weight and stay in shape whether it is at the start of a new year or in the middle of the year. Make an effort to do some of these simple solutions or find more on your own. Do whatever it takes to keep yourself motivated and committed to getting and staying fit so you can become a healthier and better for 2017 and beyond.
About the Author: Ty Howard,
Founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of MOTIVATION magazine
Ty Howard is an internationally recognized authority on personal, professional, relationship and success habits development. He is the creator and lead facilitator of the trademarked Untie the Knots® Process, and the author of the best-selling book Untie the Knots® That Tie Up Your Life: A Practical Guide to Freeing Yourself from Toxic Habits, Choices, People, and Relationships, as well as dozens of published articles on relationships, healthy habits development, empowerment and peak performance worldwide.
For information on the author click on the following link: Ty Howard.
Newsletter