Do you know how to quickly
and easily adapt your eating and exercise habits so you can achieve
the results you want and deserve, and still have the time for a great
family life?
But first, understand
this; Your health is the most valuable asset you have and if it goes
south, you'll inevitably spend everything you have, financially and
emotionally, to get it back! But intellectually understanding what
should be done, and actually doing it, as it relates to exercise, are
two very different things. So please take a few minutes to carefully
read this information, because having the RIGHT information is
critical.
Exercise sure looks very
easy to fit into your daily life, if you go by what you see in all the
magazines, ads and television programs out there, doesn't it? These
ads are the same everywhere you look. Women going to the gym for their
daily workout. Then leaving feeling great and ready to tackle the rest
of the day. If you go by this, it would seem that it's extremely easy
to fit into the every day life of all women. But is this
"vision" of exercise, reality for you and most other women,
especially if you have a family?
Of course not.
It's these same magazines, ads etc that never tell you about exercise
and family life; looking after an ill child or children at home,
having to change 20 diapers a day (and in the middle of the night),
making meals for your entire family, etc. I could go on forever
listing all the things we as parents have to do, and being a parent of
a small child I know first hand the difficulties that can arise. I've
been a fitness professional for over 14 years, and even I find it
difficult at times. It's even worse when you have older children who
have after school activities as well as a baby at home; both of my
sisters are in this situation.
As I mentioned to you
earlier, exercise is essential for a healthy life. There are many ways
that you can incorporate it into your life even if you think you
can't. Exercise on a repeated basis, even moderate exercise like going
for a walk, walking up stairs instead of taking an elevator, parking
your car at the far end of the parking lot when shopping, etc. will
help you to improve your fitness and reduce your risk of health
problems like heart disease. Keep in mind to see any health benefits
you have to do this type of exercise on a regular basis several times
a week.
You might be saying to
yourself that this may be fine for health reasons, but what if you
want to see greater benefits? Like many women who are raising a
family, because of all the ads you see and exercise magazines you
read, you may have difficulty with the commitment it appears to take
to see the results you want. You may also be unable to understand the
importance of progression and versatility, and lack the personal
accountability to achieve your goals, which inevitably leads to
eliminating exercise all together.
Why? Three reasons:
Bad information;
It's easy to cheat
yourself...
No guidance.
If you prepare your
exercise sessions and program sensibly, help your family and friends
to understand why you want to and need to exercise, and look at it
in a new light yourself, you can easily eliminate any roadblocks
that you may have.
Exercise With Your
Family
When you include family
activities that can be used as exercise, you will create a strong
family commitment and support system. You can use the following
exercise guidelines to make exercise fun for you and your family,
and see some actual physical results.
Go for daily walks
with your entire family. If your children are old enough to ride
a bike or roller blade, let them while you walk, jog, ride a
bike or roller blade yourself;
Get a baby jogger.
You don't have to run or jog; walking at a fast pace will do
just as good, but you should get a baby jogger they're much
easier and smoother than a regular stroller for this;
Whenever you and
your spouse or friends have free time, use it to go for a hike,
a day of fun with the kids in the park, etc. When kids are at a
park you'll get a lot of exercise because I'm sure you're aware
that all children love to go up and down on the slide, swing
etc. and they always want their parents to do it with them, so
do it;
At home, get
yourself a stationary bike. They're easy and convenient, and
most importantly quiet. So you can hop on it and exercise when
your little one is taking a nap;
Make sure your
spouse knows how you feel and what you want to accomplish;
Take the stairs
wherever you go instead of the elevators;
Play your children's
games with them: hopscotch, kick ball, jump rope or what ever
they come up with;
Take the dog for a
walk;
Walk your children
to school if it's nearby just or park your car nearby and walk
the rest of the way;
As a family, select
tasks that can come after you exercise;
Stay organized. When
the rest of your life is operating smoothly you'll easily fit
exercise in;
Stick to a routine.
Many women get up early to exercise before the day starts;
Walk whenever
possible. To and from church, work, the store, or a friend's
home;
Schedule exercise
appointments just like you would any other meeting or
obligation;
Always keep an
upbeat point of view about exercise. Realize that it's a part of
life and that it's very important not only for your health, but
for the health of your entire family.
You know that it's good
for you, so make it a part of your every day routine. You can
effectively exercise while keeping up with your other
everyday-jobs.
Think about your current
health and fitness situation, and imagine where you'll be very soon
if you use just some of the exercise tips mentioned. The best way to
have a stress free family life, good health and the body you desire,
is through consistent exercise.
But It's Important To
Remember...
You must exercise on a
regular basis if you are to notice any positive results. Whether
it's using some of the methods mentioned here or taking it a step
further and buying some home exercise equipment or going to the gym
to have a short but very productive exercise session, you must make
an effort to do it consistently. You are your own best guide to what
is right for you when it comes to exercise. Through exercise you'll
receive many different health benefits, and a terrific family life
can also be added to that list.
Phil Beckett is the
author of The New Women's Guide To Successful Weight Loss &
Fitness. He's helped thousands of women with their weight loss,
health & fitness goals over the past 14 years. Visit http://www.womens-health-fitness.com
to contact Phil
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