Are You Thinking of Beginning a Workout Routine?

If so, I have a few tips that I've come to learn through working with my clients and from my own years of exercise experience.

Start small, particularly if you have trouble juggling your time between kids, work, etc.
*Add a daily walk, maybe with the family in the evening or in the early morning before
anyone else is up.
*Some people get on a workout kick for a month or so, but then just end up burnt out and
over it. So pace yourself. Goals take time.

Eat a healthy diet, don't go on a diet.
*Aim to change the way you eat forever, so make it do-able. Don't limit yourself to the
extreme. Add some foods--like fruits, veggies, nuts, lean meats, and whole grains--and
take some out--like cakes, cookies, chips, sodas. You will then be balanced, not deprived!

Figure out what keeps you motivated. Return to that over and over again.
*For some people motivation is seeing others working out around them in a class or gym
setting. For others it's getting outdoors to experience the beauty of nature while nurturing
the body. For some it's influencing the health and livelihood of their children. Whatever it
may be, make sure to maintain that connection.

Know why you need to be healthy and fit in the first place.
*If you're like me, the initial reason is often dissatisfaction with the way your body looks. A
good reason, but as you begin the process of getting fit you'll realize you had also been
dissatisfied with how your body felt. If we hope to keep anything in good working order
we must be sure to maintain it. Our bodies are just the same.
*Here, a few ways that a healthy diet and exercise will benefit your body:
-Your energy level will receive a boost
-Cholesterol levels will be lowered
-Lower blood pressure
-Lower risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke
-Lower risk of injury
-Strength and flexibility will be increased
-Metabolism will be improved
-Stress levels will be lowered!

Remember these tips and make your quest for health an enjoyable one! Good luck!