Monday, August 27, 2012

No Excuses

“I hated every minute of training, but I said, don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life a champion.” – Muhammad Ali


"Transformation is not five minutes from now; it's a present activity. In this moment you can make a different choice, and it's these small choices and successes that build up over time to help cultivate a healthy self-image and self esteem." - Jillian Michaels


Many of us have desk jobs and for the most part, that's a good thing because we don't have to work outdoors in harsh elements on a daily basis.  But it does mean that our activity levels are not what they should be.  

My life has been pretty hectic for the past month or so.  I'm spending a lot more time writing and that means, more sitting.  No one gets healthier from sitting all day so I have a few ideas on how to give your tush a break from the chair.  I've tried all of these and they have helped me to get in some activity when I absolutely have to work on my computer.  These can all be done in short 5 minute bursts throughout your day or during your lunch break.  And taking a 5 minutes to do this for yourself is MUCH better than using the same minutes to visit the fridge for a scoop of ice cream!  
I have a couple of yoga apps on my Iphone that get me moving but my favorite one is Simply Yoga.  It gives the option to choose a 20, 40 or 60 minute work out.  The app has videos that demonstrate the poses to be used for the routine you have selected.  I'm no expert but it has helped improve my balance and flexibility.  Looking down the road, better balance will help me when I start trail running in the fall.

I've also taken up what I call "commercial break work outs."  These are usually a series of various old-school exercises like jumping jacks, squats, planks, crunches, lunges, calf raises and push ups.  This is very effective!  You would be amazed at how much you can get done during a 3 minute commercial break!  And speaking of "old-school", I found a jump rope in my closet a few weeks ago.  I may need to bust that out for some quick cardio!     

Another thing that I do is run "laps" out in the breezeway in front of my apartment.  I like to take Big Baby along when I do this.  It gets us outside for a few minutes and makes us both pretty happy!

So, there ya have it!  A few ideas that are easy, effective and, best of all, CHEAP or FREE!  All you have to do is invest a few minutes of your time to make them work for you.  You (and I) have no excuse to not get in some exercise when it really is pretty easy to fit into even the most fast-paced day!

Happy Trails!
Valeka 


8 comments:

  1. I love this well-written post, Valeka, and fantastic quotes too! You're a woman after my own heart. I felt so motivated while watching the Olympics that I started going up and down the stairs to the basement here at home during those frequent commercial breaks. You're so right about how even a few minutes of exercise repeated a few times a day can make a big difference.

    I've also started parking my car as far away from the entrance to a store or building as possible, and I'm finding it really isn't that big of a deal, but hoping the rewards will be over time.

    That said, I'm trying to remain consistent in completing a full workout-cardio,strength resistance and toning - three times a week. I think I may try and 'get 'er done' first thing in the morning rather than midday and see if that further motivates me to do more EVERY day :)

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    1. Thank you so much, Carole!! So happy that you enjoyed the post!

      I've found that the little exercise breaks throughout my day really help me keep my energy level up so I get more done. I park far from the front of stores (most of the time!), too! So far, the little changes are making a difference.

      Good luck with your work out routine! I know that once you set your mind to it, you will make it happen!

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  2. Excellent! I love trail running because it does seem to improve my balance, work different muscle groups, etc. and of course, I've loved Yoga for years. btw, thanks for the app info.!

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    1. Hi, Ruth!! So nice to hear from you! Glad you found the app info useful. It's nice to have it as an option when traveling (which is when I usually use it). I'm really looking forward to getting started with trail running. It feels like it's more "me" than road running. I can't wait to tell ya all about it!!

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  3. Very inspirational, Valeka! I love the way you're using your ingenuity to find ways to fit some exercise into a less than ideal situation.

    I've got no excuse. I've got a beautiful park a block from my house and it's a sunny day with a nice cool breeze. Looks like my 10K Day will have at least one walk in the park to break up the tush-stagnation. :~)

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    1. I try to find ways to get in some exercise! I know that it helps improve my mindset when I write. That alone is reason enough for me to get moving!

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  4. Thank you for this, as I struggle to remember that I need to get up from my writing and move. I try to do it every half an hour, but sometimes I get so engrossed that I forget. Last night, watching TV, I made my husband move his arms around in time to mine. I'm going to start getting up during commercials next.

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    1. I'm so glad you found this helpful! You can pack a lot of exercise into a commercial break. I was very surprised when I started doing it. It's worth it!

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