Working It Out Week: Do Something...Anything!

This does NOT count!

Working It Out Week continues with great tips to get started. Again I preface this by saying that I know nothing about the subject of actually being fit (except that one year in '99). But what I do have are a special set of skills, skills that I've developed over a decade of getting started. 

So here goes.

Tell a friend...tell several:

I know, I know you've already told the world several times over that THIS would be your year and failed...publicly. Who cares. You think that stopped Trump. Heck no and he quit before he started. Tell people around you and let them hold you accountable. Let them be your cheerleader. Join an online group or join forces with your co-workers. One of my oldest, dearest friends started a Facebook page dedicated to being healthier and it's great! We share our meals, our successes, and our failures. Support, motivation, and inspiration will always be a winning combination. Without even knowing it you guys are now holding me accountable just by reading my blog. See how easy it is?


Do Something...Anything:

Years ago I swore by Taebo. It had me in the best shape of my life. One of my besties is a runner. My other bestie is a swimmer. Going to the gym and taking classes works for some but it's not my cup of chai. But here lies the beauty of doing something. There's soooo many ways to move your body. Dancing, Zumba, Kinect Sports,Walking, Pilates. Who knows you may have a yogi living inside of you. Take your dogs for a loooonnng walk. Go bike riding with the kids. Just do something...anything. Make a commitment to exercising your heart at least 3x a week. Your heart will thank you!


Make Yourself  A Priority:

If you don't have 20 minutes a day to devote to your health then you are doing life wrong!! Yeah, I said it. No excuses people. You either want to be around for a while or you don't. You want to be fit or you don't. I work full time, manage this blog, and am a wife and mother of both a teen and a Dood. No excuses. I'm tired. It's too hot. It's raining. No excuses. I don't like to sweat. I don't see results. No excuses. Remember the goal is to move and be healthy. The benefit is weight loss.

Move At Your Own Pace:

I've been so excited and euphoric in my walk/run endeavors that my lower legs gave out on me Sunday. I literally saw our car far off in the parking lot of the park and almost cried. I had been doing intervals for 5 days straight for a mile or more and didn't consider giving my legs a day off. It was also my second day out with Hubby and I wanted to show him what I could do. Big mistake...huge. 1st mistake...I tried to keep up with his longer walking strides. 2nd mistake...when the pain really set in my ego wouldn't let me take a break. But a major lesson was learned; leave Hubby home move at my own pace. Now I understand this:

Allow time for recovery. Many people start exercising with frenzied zeal — working out too long or too intensely — and give up when their muscles and joints become sore or injured. Plan time between sessions for your body to rest and recover.

5 Steps to Getting Started, mayoclinic.com

Duly noted. I think I see pilates in my future today.


I'd love to hear your tips to getting started. Do you have a workout buddy? What activities do you enjoy? What advice do you have for beginners? How do you manage recoup days?