Exercise? Your friend or your nemesis?

When you think Exercise, what comes to mind and how does it make you feel?  Answers to this probably fall into these 4 categories... although most in the first category probably aren't even reading my blog ;) :

1. Exercise?  I don't like to sweat and I really don't like to bend my body in funny ways.
2. Exercise is a necessary evil and I force myself to go to the workout 2-3 times each week which is pure torture.
3. Exercise is ok.  It is important for my health and to help me fit into my clothes and I enjoy some work outs.  If something else more important comes up though, I will skip my workout!
4. Exercise is part of my existence!  I love how it makes me feel, I love how it makes me look, I love the sweat/ muscle burn/ crazy body contortions/ runner's high... I feel amazing after a great workout!

So, where are you?  Exercise of course doesn't have to involve a trip to the gym or pressing play on a DVD, but structure in your exercise can help you achieve more well rounded results and with some planning or training can help you reach your fitness goals.

Resistance training is important to build muscle to help burn more calories even while you are resting on the couch.  It can also help prevent osteoporosis!

Yoga and flexibility training can help you stay limber (or get limber), prevent muscle and body aches and to be able to focus and help your body and mind stay more relaxed.

Cardio, preferably interval training, can help your cardiovascular system, plus it burns calories.

Bottom line... you need to exercise to keep your body and your health in optimum condition.
Best bet... find something you enjoy doing and make it a workout... within reason ;)
I love music and to dance so TurboFire (aka Cardio kickboxing) is a favorite workout for me.  I also like a little muscle definition so adding in some weights has been key to me.  Right now I am enjoying P90X2 but am looking forward to the great music and fun workouts in Les Mills PUMP!
Insanity gave me some amazing results with the very intense cardio.
ChaLEAN Extreme works wonders for the whole body and I enjoy Chalene's energy.
10 Minute Trainer is phenomenal, allowing you to fit an intense workout in 10 minutes or stack them together for 30 minutes!

Whatever you choose, make the commitment and get the job done.  You don't need to spend 2 hours in the gym per visit to see results, you need to push hard and be efficient.  and don't forget about your nutrition!  Veggies and fruits are your friends, as is lean protein!  All of the Beachbody workouts come with great tools to help you understand what your body needs for food!

Join me, lets get you fit and healthy!  Www.GetFitWithNicola.com  sign on for the free membership and lets connect!

How does your exercise plan work for you?

It's time to get back to some posts about fitness and getting moving!!!

It seems that there are people who work out regularly and are super fit, there are people who workout regularly but don't seem to make much progress, there are people who workout sporadically and there are weekend warriors!

Those regular exercisers who are super fit aren't any different than the others, they have just made a COMMITMENT...a commitment to themselves, to their health and to their future.
What about those poor folks who workout regularly and aren't getting anywhere you ask? Well, we need to ask them a few things:

1. How hard are they working out? Are they getting their heart rates elevated and pushing hard? 
2. Next would be, what are they eating? Good nutrition will directly affect any weight loss results.

If you exercise sporadically you obviously aren't making it a priority and you aren't going to get the same health benefits that one who does make it a priority is going to receive!

Weekend warriors, you know who you are!  More often men who don't exercise all week, then head out on the weekend for a big football game, sometimes even a race, do pretty well, but then are hurting for days after!  This does work for some people!  More often than not though, too many weeks of limited exercise and your warrior activities followed by many beers will lead to an increase in the waist line!

Is it easy to fit in a workout every day?  NO!  Do I always fit them in? No, but 5 days a week passes in my book when I can't get #6 in!  They aren't always 60 minute workouts, some days I work really hard for 20-30 minutes and that is suffice...you need to work with the time you have available.  I have discussed limited time before as this is a prime excuse for people...priorities and time management are the answer! Check this video clip for suggestions of how to save time here:



And here is a link for more info about 10-minute Trainer.
But you also need to make sure you eat right. This does not mean you cannot eat things you like, that you have to cut out all treats, but treat them as just that...as special treats.  Have a small portion and have them occasionally...not every day!  I love Shakeology for my afternoon snack to help cut my cravings and I mix the Chocolate flavor with a little peanut butter and banana or frozen fruit and it tastes like a treat, but has so much nutrition and is not too high in calories.
Make your health a priority-yes, you only live once, but eating crappy food is not the answer for happiness.  Good health now leads to good health later and a longer, happier life!  Do it for you and for your family!
Join me at Beachbody for support, motivation and more info on products.