Hey, I work out!

There are days when I love to exercise.. and there are days when it takes all my effort to get my butt off the couch. But overall, I exercise on a regular basis. I don't plan on ever running a marathon, and I'm not trying to lose weight. I just want to be strong and healthy and live a long life, and exercise needs to be a part of my life if I want all of those things. I recognize that exercise puts me in a better mood, relieves stress, and gives me energy, so I find exercises that I enjoy. I 100% respect those that work out more than I do, run marathons, triathlons, etc., but here are my thoughts on if you are trying to start, or just get into a good routine of regular exercise:

1. Find a go-to 20 minute exercise.
I don't accept the "I don't have time" excuse, but there are definitely days when I certainly don't have a lot of time, but still want to fit in a workout. Yes, 60 minutes is best, but 20 minutes is always better than 0. For me, Jillian Michael's videos are my go-to 20 minute exercise. She has a few of them that are only 20-30 minutes, and they incorporate cardio, strength, and abs (read: a full body workout in 20 minutes!). And they are difficult, but not too difficult- perfect for a balanced life :)

2. Zumba
I LOVE ZUMBA! There are classes everywhere- a lot of them through recreation centers or dance studios (so you don't need a gym membership). Zumba's slogan is "Ditch the workout, join the party," which is so true. If you like dancing (which I understand not everyone does, but I do) you will love Zumba, it keeps you moving and is guaranteed to make you sweat. If you go regularly, you will also learn how to get more out of every workout, work the right muscles, put more effort into each step, so you will sweat just as much as you want to. And don't worry, no one is really watching you, and everyone looks a little silly. Plus, the average Zumba class burns 400-500 calories!

3. Workout classes
I'm a huge fan of workout classes. I understand that everyone has a different style, but my belief is that group fitness classes allow you to more easily get motivated and work harder. I have a hard time pushing myself during a workout, so group fitness is a great way to do that, someone else is telling you what to do- and people are working hard around you! Also, if you have a hard time getting to the gym- having a specific time that I need to be there has always helped me, you can even put them on your calendar/schedule meetings around them if you are a long hours type of person.

4. No gym membership is no excuse
I have a gym membership because I like group fitness classes, and because I can afford it. If you can't or choose not to, or just plain won't use it, there are still ways to keep in shape. I already mentioned my Jillian Michael's DVDs- there are tons of different kinds of DVDs that you can try, and all they require is a couple of hand weights. I prefer one that is not a specific plan, but just something you can do when you want to, and switch it up as you please. There are also really easy ways to workout at home, so put on your favorite show, or blast your iPod, and jump rope (without the rope), do push-ups, high knees, lunges, punches, etc. You can find suggestions online if you can't think of them yourself. I also like to run outside. I believe everyone can run, or jog, or jog/walk, and that can be done outside (I prefer it that way). You don't need to run 10 miles, but just start with 30 minutes (I do it regularly, and I still just do about 30 minutes- I get bored)- and go as slowly as you need to, or interval with walking, and see what a difference it will make overtime.

Workout buddies can be great motivation if you need someone to keep you accountable. If you skip a day, just go the next day, or the next day! Don't set goals that you can't achieve, and find something you enjoy! Go pick up a cute new workout outfit- and get to work!