The Quiet but Effective Power of Habits

good20habits20bad20habitsForming good habits can simplify and enrich your life. A typical healthy habit such as brushing your teeth is an automatic behavior. We don’t debate whether we should brush our teeth; we simply do it. You can incorporate other habits into that category. If you are that type of person who forgets to take your vitamin on a daily basis, choose a consistent time or circumstance so that you will be ready for your vitamins. Make sure that you take them at the same time with your breakfast, everyday. It takes at least two consistent weeks to make a habit stick.

Habit building is a matter of making something automatic. With healthy habits under your belt you can focus on the more important things in your life such as your goals and values. That is where you want to apply your energy. Having a solid routine allows you to be engaged in more important aspects of life. Enjoy your day!

Cheers,

Gina

How to Push through Exercise Resistence

851f72070653835a705c32de1e204439There are times when I am on the elliptical and all I think about is that I want to stop or become complacent with my work-out. When you start to meet exercise resistance a good strategy is to stay in the moment. A tried and true method of staying present is to target your breathing. For Example, notice how long your inhales and exhales are. You may notice that the air going into your nostrils feels cool, while the air on your exhales feels warmer.

In focusing on your breathing instead of your thoughts you can remain more involved in your training. Another focal point can be your form. Pay close attention to how each of your limbs feel. Mentally scan your body for points of tension. Imagine breathing into those points of tension to give yourself a more relaxed stride. By clearing your mind and centering on your form and posture in the present moment you become less pre-occupied with negative thoughts. Never, ever resist a wonderful work-out!

Cheers,

Gina

Getting More Out of Your Day

shutterstock_60695119Are you feeling pressured with time? Many people experience a lack of time to exercise, eat for their convenience rather than purchase highly nutritious food and have little time to spend with family and close friends. Learning how to set boundaries and saying “no” can make an enormous difference in your day. It is not always easy to set limits around when or what you will do, however take into consideration that your time is very valuable.

Setting aside time by doing something special for yourself can make you extremely happy. Taking time out of your schedule is essential in helping you to feel grounded, focused and can be most effective when you handle lots of responsibilities. Take time to figure out what brings a smile to your face. When you bounce back from overwork and over-scheduling.. this can be an amazing and uplifting feeling. Enjoy getting the most out of your day!!

Cheers,

Gina

Good Habits for a Flatter Tummy

Flat-stomachEliminating carbs goes a long way to slimming your belly. There is a reason why people call a protruding stomach a beer belly. Regular aerobic activity will also help to trim that problematic area. Exercising your core will tighten the muscles to give you that sculpted look. It is important, however that you train in a proper way. One way to learn proper form for core muscles is to take a pilates class from a certified instructor.

Exercising abdominal muscles improperly can give you a poor result. Maintaining good posture goes a long way toward helping you strengthen your abs. The quality of your exercise is more important than the quantity. Keep plugging away!!!

Cheers,

Gina

Juggling Life & Exercise

A young woman juggling the management of time. Isolated on a white background.

One of the greatest challenges of having a disciplined exercise regimen is figuring out how to incorporate working out while maintaining a balanced social, work and family life. We tend to be more consistent with activities and routines we do on a daily basis. A simple example would be taking a shower in the morning. When it comes to training, finding that ideal time and place can be challenging. Take me for instance, during the early afternoon I noticed that my energy is at its highest and this is the best time to train. For others, the time before work (during the AM) may be more preferable because exercise can energize you for a long work day.

Setting and maintaining realistic goals that you can manage is necessary. Be creative, you do not always need a lot of space and time for your fitness routine. Everyone knows that exercising can be physically and mentally difficult, but always continue to do your best!!!

Cheers,

Gina

How can you Stay Full Longer?

5d14a692297cebe60fbf73ce70300a8dCan you overcome cravings and that nagging sense of not eating enough? Feeling very hungry and tolerating your stomach appetite are obstacles to a successful weight loss program. I learned that eating more slowly makes me feel more filled and sated. I understand that it takes 20 minutes to recognize that you feel full. By eating small meals throughout the day, this has curved my hunger. Psychologically, it satisfies me because I have something to look forward to.

Drinking fluids, especially water helps to decrease my desire for food. In a pinch, eat nuts because they are high in protein, fiber and provides a feel of being satiated. Truly, it is a wonderful feeling to boost your hunger and make certain that you feel gratified, everyday. Remember, tomorrow is another day. Keeping pushing yourself to work hard. Have an unbelievable rest of your winter!

Cheers,

Gina

Accepting Your Body Type For What It Is

bbd0adb454d4eecdb7a67d6f07ab90b9Be certain to love and feel wonderful about your figure (at any size) rather than wish for the build that you don’t have. We are all inundated with the images of the tall willowy models that we see on T.V. or in magazines. Very few women have that physique. This leads to un-necessary feelings of low self-esteem because we imagine that we fall short of that ideal makeup.

Any shape can be beautiful; it is what you make of your particular body that counts. Be grateful for your entire figure, with all it’s imperfections. Any stature can be attractive. What is most important is how you carry yourself. Make the most and appreciate your appearance just the way it is. Weight Cliquers, be happy with yourself- everyday!!

Cheers,

Gina

Why You Should Start Exercising

motivational-exercise-quotesI started exercising to improve the quality of my health. I specifically wanted to drop weight and discovered it has many benefits, as well. By training and losing half of my size I eliminated sleep apnea, decreased blood sugar, reduced high cholesterol, and my acid reflux as well as eczema vanished.

I feel more energetic and have a better well-being. I now have a stronger sense of self-worth. Naturally, I feel that I have a greater muscle tone and stamina. In the past, it would be challenging to walk around the block and now these routines are automatic and easy. There is also research findings that aerobic exercise helps with memory functioning and cognitive ability. If you want to ensure your memory and health into your retirement years.. keep working-out. May you continue going strong!

Cheers,

Gina

Realistic Goal Setting for the New Year

11190247-new-years-resolution-appleA general goal setting principal for 2016 is to start where you are at and aim for challenging increases that are not overwhelming. Take me for instance, if I am running on the elliptical set at level 6 my next step would be to increase it to level 7. For some folks, it is un-realistic to go to the gym at 5:00 am or work-out 7 days a week. Choose the time and days that you can easily assess your daily schedule.

A particular target for myself is to work with a trainer to learn new ideas about advancing my fitness routine. Goal setting should always be re-evaluated periodically. Try focusing on tiny improvements from time to time. Always use training calculators to determine your work-out pace. Start looking ahead and begin outlining your destination for the remainder of the year. Together, lets achieve every goal that we desire! Happy New Year- 2016!!!

Cheers,

Gina

Winter Workout Motivators

You might find your ambition to exercise dip during the winter because the weather is cold and the days are shorter. While celebrating this holiday season amid the hectic and busy pace, this may interfere with your training regimen. To keep your workout momentum up, why not try a winter sport? If you are competitive and cravWinterWorkoutBigstocke a new challenge there are many excellent options that melt calories. Put a new twist on your winter weather workout plans.

People generally do not dress appropriately for the chilly weather so they avoid going outside. Wearing a warm jacket along with head gear and gloves can change your mental outlook and make you feel pumped about being outside. Do not force exercising outside in the freezing weather. Try popping in a new workout DVD and apply small fitness equipment along with your routine. Training at home can be the best way to remain focused. Be certain to get up during the bitter cold winter and be active and happy!

Cheers,

Gina