Monica's Motivation to Move!

Do you think you don't have time for physical activity?  Do you feel like you just don't like to exercise very much?  Do you think that exercise can only be done at the gym? 

Consider this...our bodies were made to move.  We were meant to be physically active and we perform better and feel better when we are active.  When we are active, our bodies are better able to fight off illnesses and chronic diseases and we are able to maintain a healthy body weight, thus making even more physical activity possible and enjoyable!

I encourage you to think outside the box when it comes to your physical activity.  Here are some suggestions:

If you have kids...

• Play a game of soccer - You will definitely get a workout running around the soccer field with your kids.
• Set up an obstacle course at a park or playground - Bring a jump rope and devise a mini circuit:  jumping rope, step-ups on benches, jumping jacks, chin ups or pull ups on the monkey bars, push ups on the ground or using a bench, walking lunges, squats.  If there is a large grassy area, you could also include running or walking intervals.
• Swing - You forget how fun swinging actually is!  When you swing, contract your abs and use your core strength rather than your legs to propel yourself higher - I guarantee, you will feel it!
• Be silly - Skip, do a side shuffle, run with high knees (pumping your arms) - your kids will love it!

If you are stuck in the house because of weather:

• Play balloon volleyball - A simple balloon is all you need to have a great game of balloon volleyball.
• Dance - Put on your favorite music and just dance...the louder, the better.  Kids go crazy when the music starts!
• Create an indoor circuit - If you have stairs, use them!  You can include stair climbing, jumping jacks, push ups, squats, lunges, tricep dips on the edge of the stairs, jogging in place...if you have home equipment, such as bands or a ball, incorporate even more exercises.
• Do an exercise DVD - There are so many fitness DVD's available...walking, yoga, kickboxing, dancing, calisthenics, etc...choose your favorites and get moving!

While doing household chores:

• Walk up and down stairs as much as possible - Bring one or two things up at a time so that you have to make more trips.
• Squat down when picking things up - Focus on tightening your legs and glutes when picking things up - don't bend at your waist!
• Stretch when washing windows or mirrors - Emphasize the movement when you reach high places and feel the stretch!
• Putting food in pantry - Take the opportunity to do a few sets of bicep curls or overhead presses with canned food.
  

This is just a short list of ways to fit in physical activity throughout your day...and have fun doing it!  If you have your own fun ways of fitting in physical activity, please let me know - I would love to share them.

Remember, the goal is to KEEP MOVING!