If you’ve got kids in your home, you are probably surrounded by Halloween chocolate and candy right now.
There are many things I cannot resist on my own: Reese’s. M&Ms. Twix bars. Butterfingers. Peppermint Patties. (Oh be still, my watering mouth!)
You get the picture.
Before long, my jeans aren’t going to zip up. Can you relate? If we don’t schedule in exercise during this holiday time, we’re going to be in trouble.
Here are a few ways to fit in exercise so you can fit in your jeans:
Make it fun. Do what you like whether it’s boxing, biking, stretching, tai chi, or swimming. Be active at home. Run up and down the stairs just for exercise (not because you keep forgetting stuff). Get out of the house and walk. Take in the fall beauty around you.
Seize the moment. Feel busy now with your family? Fast forward the tape 5 years…you’ll most likely be busier. Fast forward the tape 15 years…you’ll have many more aches and pains. A better time will not exist in the future. Now is the time to get in the fabulous habit of exercise.
Involve a friend. If you’re meeting a friend for lunch, insist on taking a walk after your meal together. Look for ways to be active with others. Meet weekly with another friend to workout. My mom and I have been attending the same weekly spin class with the same instructor for more than 12 years!
Plan for it. On Sundays, take your calendar out and schedule in your exercise times for the week. Exercise DVD Monday morning. Walk 45 minutes on Wednesday morning. Lift weights for 20 minutes on Friday morning. Put it in your calendar and stick to it. You wouldn’t miss a doctor’s appointment, so don’t miss these critical appointments for your health.
Set small goals and reach them. If the thought of finding time for a 45 minute workout gets you depressed, start with fitting 10 minutes of exercise into your day, 5 days a week. Once you establish that as your normal routine, you can extend your workout time to 20 minutes on some days, or have a few 10 minute sessions during the day.
And as added incentive for you moms, remember your children are watching. Why not give the gift of a healthy mom? If you exercise, your children will most likely exercise too someday. If you want them to be healthy in the future, it’s time for you to set the example and start fitting time in for exercise today – so you can fit into your jeans tomorrow!
Which of these ways to exercise will you put into action this week?
