T.G.I.F

T.G.I.F. today stands for Try Getting Into Fitness!

I know it's Friday night and you could be at happy hour, or maybe you are on your way out the door but why not take 10 minutes...that's it, just 10 minutes to get active.  Take a walk around the block or even up and down the stairs!  Do jumping jacks, stomach crunches, lunges and push-ups!  Just try walking away from the computer and doing a 10 minute activity.  I just got home from work and I am beat but in a minute I am dedicating 10 minutes to an activity, then I'm going to enjoy the rest of my evening - dinner at my favorite Greek restaurant!  If you currently are not active and want to Try Getting Into Fitness, start small with just 10 minutes a day.  You might find that after 10 minutes, you could do 10 more and so on.  Eventually you want to work up to 30-60 minutes of physical activity on most days.  This constitutes activity other than your daily routines.   


BENEFITS OF REGULAR EXERCISE:
Physical Activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.  It can aid in weight management (of course) but it also allows the blood and oxygen to flow freely throughout your body which promotes disease prevention and overall health and wellness.  My favorite perk from physical activity is stress reduction!  Physical activity can aid in stronger muscles and bones as well as reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.  Exercise boosts energy and on the contrary, promotes better sleep (just try not to exercise right before bedtime; you might have gained too much energy to sleep).  Physical activity can also improve your sex life or quality time with others.  Being active is even more fun when shared with other people.


FUN WAYS TO GET PHYSICALLY ACTIVE:
Dance
Hike, jog, run, walk
Play a sport

Swim
Spin/cycle, bike ride
Aerobics
Yoga, pilates, tai chi
Yard work
Weight lift, circuit training, cross-fit
Jump rope
Roller skate, ice skate
Snow board, ski
Horseback riding
Frisbee, play catch
Hula hoop
And the list goes on!


Check your cable line-up, you might have an exercise channel with free videos to watch from the convenience of your own home.


Finally don't forget to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water when being physically active.  Now go out there and T.G.I.F!