Round is a shape

Hi everyone, so another year and what have you done? Maybe you’re done overindulging in festive food, drinks and Christmas cookies. This is the year you will be getting back in shape and this time you mean it! No excuses! THIS TIME, you mean it; after all you are not getting any younger!

What does getting back in shape look like? For this you have to be smart, yes S.M.A.R.T. this acronym stands for:

Specific 

Measurable

Action Oriented

Realistic

Timely

I suggest you start with small goals working out on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and write it in your agenda. Make an appointment with yourself and stick to it! This is specific vs “someday”.

Start off slow, use lighter weights at the beginning. We all remember those heavy sets that left you in agony for days, that is discouraging; so remember slow and steady wins the race (realistic). Also take in consideration old injuries and find alternative exercises. Use the mirror or measuring tape as your guides, BMI, and weight scales do not consider size of frame or muscle mass.

Knock off the cupcake and soft drink as a snack, like any machine bad fuel does not enhance performance. Add leg extensions, crunches, squats and such while watching TV. Some people do things like ten squats at every commercial. Remember, doing something is always better than nothing, a short workout is better than no workout, maintain that discipline.

Small changes will give great rewards, when you exercise you sleep better, feel better, have more energy and better posture. A little gender difference to note, most men go to the gym to get bigger, most women go to the gym to get smaller. That being said , it is important to for all of us to stretch! As we age we need this. Do not make excuses! You have to train your body so that later, you don’t need a shoe horn to put on your loafers.

Keep motivated by keeping a journal, training with a friend and a few selfies; before you know it someone says “Hey! Have you been working out?” That is always great to hear. I’ve exercised all my life in one way or another and the benefits pay off. So go play outside, join a sport, walk a dog, go to the gym, buy resistant bands, do yoga or chair yoga, but do something. Like every new journey it starts with that first step; are you ready? Now go do it !