Tuesday 26 January 2010

Snowy Exercise Routine

It's not always to come up with an exercise routine in the snow. Sure, if you have a gym membership, you don't have to think about the weather. I, however, like to exercise by walking outside, and when the weather turns really cold and snowy, I lose my "gym." So, here is what I do in the winter to stay in shape.

1. Exercise Videos - I have a number of videos that I use when I can't walk outside. These include kick boxing, Pilates and weight training.
2. Bender Ball - Fortunately, I've always got my Bender Ball. I use it for at least 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening as part of my exercise routine.
3. Leg Lifts - I try to do leg lifts each evening on each leg. I put on some fun music and do leg exercises. You can find ideas on the web and just follow the simple instructions that they give.

What I DON'T do in the winter is decide to give up on my exercise routine! It is very important to keep moving, even when the weather makes me want to get into bed. And I try hard to stick to this idea when I can't walk outside.

Tuesday 12 January 2010

Back Pain Be Gone

I've always had slight back troubles. I'm one of those people who has to be careful when he picks up packages from the floor, and who has to opt-out of helping to move that heavy refrigerator. So, I was recently shocked when I realized how strong my back feels these days.

I was at work recently and someone asked me to help him move a table. Jumping to the task before thinking, I realized in the middle of the task that I probably shouldn't be there. But, how was I going to get out of finishing the job? Obviously, I wasn't. And when we had finished moving the table and I straightened back up, I realized how good I felt. Usually, if I do engage in activities of this sort, my back will be sore and I'll know that I overdid it.

I attribute my added strength to my new stomach muscles. The bender ball materials and my own research explained that I should feel stronger and more fit with better stomach muscles. And I'm living proof that it really is true and that even 10 minutes a day can really make a difference! Amazing!

Tuesday 5 January 2010

A New Year with Bender Ball

I can't remember the last time that I wrote up a New Year's resolution that didn't include losing weight and getting in better shape. Is it actually possible to write a list that doesn't include these necessities? I'm actually here to report that it is possible!

Before the near year, I always like to sit down and take stock of the past year - and look to the future. And I write up a list of about 10 things that I'd like to achieve during the year. Sometimes they are financial, sometimes they are about travel or job changes or family. And there is always something about getting in shape. When I finished my list this year - I simply couldn't believe it. Since I've been working really hard to get in shape with my gym membership and my bender ball, I simply didn't put that on the list.

Now, I didn't consciously say that I wasn't going to put it on my New Year's list. It just simply didn't appear when I took stock of my life. What a liberating feeling!