Keeping it Simple

Did you know, people who walk their dog 20 minutes a day lose more weight?

Are your kids, family or life making it impossible to exercise for an hour everyday? We understand. The pressure to exercise can feel really overwhelming and if you can’t meet your goal it’s easy to feel discouraged.

Here are some easy changes you can make in your life that can make a difference in how you look and feel. Sometimes keeping it simple is the secret to success.

Jump! Jump! Skipping ropes, aka jump ropes aren’t just for kids. Get your cardiovascular system revved up and ready to go. This is one calorie-burner that works every muscle, delivering a full-body workout that slims and tones (quickly). Do it for 5 minutes before you hop in the shower in the morning, or while you wait for dinner to cook in the oven–you’ll be surprised how much energy you’ll have afterwards.

Bark in the Park! Get your dog and go for a walk. In one study, people who walked their dog 20 minutes a day, five days a week lost an average of 14 pounds in a year! Let your best friend help you become more active. Plus, a tired dog is a happy dog. Remember to grab your headset and you can double-up on those phone calls to family and friends. Or, you may have a neighbor or friend who would love to join you.

Feel the Beat! Listen to some fun, energetic music while you exercise. New music can make exercise exciting and keeps you going and maybe even helps you workout harder. Music is a great distraction, so it doesn’t seem as though you’re working as hard. So make a fun playlist and get moving.

Get a Gym Ball. This popular new trend provides a fun way to improve flexibility, balance, strength and tone. Use one as your desk chair to help strengthen your core and improve posture. Or, take a few breaks to do sit-ups or pushups throughout the day. Remember, when it comes to your goal, start small, you’ll be more likely to succeed.

Hydrate. Drinking plenty of water can help tame your appetite and make you feel more energetic! So, spruce up your water with some lemon or oranges, or add a splash of juice. Even herbal tea can be a nice way to hydrate without getting bored of H20. Want to spice things up a bit? Enjoy coconut water every once and a while for extra hydration after a workout or busy day.

Catch some extra Zzzzzzz’s. Recent research found that sleep deprivation increases food cravings and decreases the amount of leptin in your body – a hormone that helps burn more energy. So don’t skimp on sleep if you want to slim down. How? Cut out a little television or cut back on technology so you can get to bed early. Trust us, you’ll be happy and alert come the morning.

You don’t have to get fancy to exercise, and you certainly don’t have to join an expensive gym or spa either. So, start small and set goals and before you know it you’ll be feeling and looking better!