Since I talked yesterday about how to help yourself get motivated when you don't feel like exercising, today, I thought it would be good to offer up some exercise related tiny changes tips.
If you're like me, the Inner Resistance Monster really kicks in whenever workout time comes around. I workout in the mornings, so it's so easy to want to stay snuggled under a warm duvet for another hour instead of hitting the treadmill or weights. But, we need to get moving if we want to feel healthier and slimmer.
- This week, increase your cardio time by 5 minutes each workout. That extra 5 minutes can burn anywhere from 20-70 calories depending on what kind of cardio you're doing. Over the week, burning those extra calories each workout will add up.
- Have you been eying a new piece of cardio equipment like the Precor AMT or weight machine at the gym but are afraid to try it out. Why not let your curiosity win over your fear. Ask one of the gym staff to show you how to use the machine, as they will be happy to show you. It's not a bother, and they can show you the proper way to use it so you don't hurt yourself.
- If you typically only do cardio and no weights, take one day this week and do weights. The important thing is to just start. Vice versa if you are heavy on the weights and low on cardio. Balancing out cardio and muscle building makes your body a better metabolizing machine. {I personally need to work on this one as I'm cardio queen.}
- A good workout doesn't mean that you get to eat more afterwords. If you're trying to shed pounds, you still need to be conscious of your food. If you are in a plateau at the moment, try food journaling for the week or a few days to see where you might be overdoing it food-wise.
- Add two new songs to your workout music. That's about 10 more minutes of workout time, or two new songs to break up the music rut. Here's an iMix of songs I've been listening to lately.
Things I did last week:
- I drank only 2 Whole Foods sodas last week. Lately, I've been having one a day, and that has been adding to my growing muffin top.
- I really wanted some bread and wanted to buy a loaf of Pugliese, my favorite. Instead, I got some mini whole wheat pitas and ate them with hummus. I got my bread fix without eating way more carbs than I needed.
