How Big is Your But???!!!

But I don't have time...

But I work all day...

But I don't have the energy...

Many of us are lacking motivation for various reasons.What is Motivation ?---that which gives purpose and direction to behavior. We're looking for something to drive us, push us, inspire us!

Here are a few tips on how to create your motivation:

Goals: Be reasonable! Most people set unrealistic goals ( I want to lose 50 lbs in 1 week!!!)--Ummm...yea right.  Set daily goals such as, " I'm going to walk 20 minutes today." or weekly such as " I will exercise a minimum of 3 days this week."

Preparation: Have what you need to follow through with your workouts. Jump rope, Gym membership, prepare your meals for that day, etc...

Discipline: Find ways to make your workout a habit..just like brushing your teeth. If you're a morning person, exercise in the morning. If you prefer being indoors, join a gym. If you are really cold, throw your clothes in the dryer to warm them up before you jog.


Commitment: Spend a few minutes each day or morning re-evaluating your goals. Being healthy is a decision we make every day--not just once. Post encouraging quotes around the house to keep you motivated to stay on the right track.


Having Fun: Be silly! Getting bored with your normal jog?--Jump in the pool with your clothes on when you finish up. Try doing a new Zumba or kickboxing class.


Reward Yourself: This is my favorite step! It might be something small such as treating yourself to a spa day at Spa Sydell, or a trip to your local Borders bookstore.

Benefits of Jumping Rope

Did you know that jumping rope is one of the most effective forms of cardio exercise? Jumping rope can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour! Its fun, effective, easy to learn, inexpensive, and portable. Jumping rope tones all the muscles in the entire body, therefore developing long lean muscles in all the major muscle groups---upper and lower.

Ready to get your workout "jump started" ???

Grab a jump rope and you'll burn tons of calories, gain agility, improve balance, and speed up weight loss.

Click below for a list of jump rope workouts you can try at home:

www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/arms/express/jump-rope-workouts/

www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/cardio/no-treadmill/jump-rope-calorie-burner-workout/

www.fitnessrxmag.com/fitness/cardio/329-rope-jumping-passport-to-great-legs-strong-bones-and-a-healthy-heart.html

Better Way to Eat a Burger

Skip the Mayo!!!

Burger's contain enough fat as it is. We often add more than 100 calories by just adding mayonnaise. Avoid the white stuff and opt for the more colorful condiments, such as ketchup or mustard. Even using a smear of barbecue or steak sauce is a much better choice.

Eat Your Veggies!

I love green beans! A client and I were talking a few days ago about our favorite vegetables, and green beans are absolutely one veggie I can't live without. How do I prefer it cooked? Steamed, no salt, no butter, just plain. As our conversation was coming to a close my client said, " I wish I had time to eat as healthy as you, Sarah...but with work, kids, and all the other added stresses I barely have time to squeeze in a daily workout, much less eat my veggies". I then told her about a fabulous option for eating healthy.

Your average American doesn't get the proper amount of vegetables in their diet each day. A society that is hung up on Mcdonalds, Burger King, and Chic-fil-a doesn't have time anymore to eat healthy. But I've found a secret---Green Giant Fresh Valley Steamers. It couldn’t be any easier to prepare these! They just go straight from the freezer to the microwave, you don’t have to even open the package. They come in so many different varieties such as broccoli and cheese, whole grain beans, and fresh cut green beans! :-)

Fresh from the garden--or supermarket, is my favorite way to go. But for those of you who live a busy life and feel as though you don't have time to eat healthy, this may be a much better option than ordering drive-thru for family dinner each night! :-)

Exercise Helps Reduce Stress

I don't know about you, but my stress level is at its max during these tough economic times. Whether it be from work, finances, family & kids, or all of the above, stress is at its absolute high!  Here are my top 3 tips for de-stressing. They work for me, so give'em a try! ;-)

1. Exercise!!! --- Of course this is at the top of my list! ;-) You've heard the term "runners' high"...exercise increases the release of endorphins (happy brain chemicals). And because exercise helps with fatigue, your body can better cope with stress.

2. Eat a balanced diet --- Just like a campfire, our bodies need the proper fuel to function efficiently. If you put newspaper on a campfire it will burn out quickly. Put on a log and it'll take longer to burn off. Eat a cheeseburger and 1 hour later you'll be hungry and sluggish because it had zero nutrition or vitamins. Eat a balanced diet full of vitamins, minerals, and "all the good stuff" and your body can better manage stress.

3. Take a long, hot bath with candles --- Must I explain why this works! ;-)

Wii Fit Plus

Okay...Everyone has heard about the latest exercise crave by Nintendo called Wii Fit. But have you heard about Wii Fit Plus??? It has more activities and exercises! It is so much fun and I recommend it to anyone that is bored with their workout or wants to spice things up with their exercise routine. It is so personalized and can even check your Body Mass Index (BMI), your weight, balance, and so much more. It creates a workout to fit your needs and also keeps a progress chart with your daily, weekly, monthly results.

One additional comment I would like to make about the Wii Fit Plus is that it is a great motivator but you should also do a little extra working out on your own or with a trainer. Often times when we choose to workout on our own we tend to not push ourselves to the max. When you go to the gym or have someone to be accountable to it pushes you to workout harder than you would when no one is looking---at home. :-)

Best Butt Exercises

We all dream of having a backside like Kim Kardashian or Beyonce but lets face it, are we really working our bottom like we should? Here's a list of my Top 5 Butt Kickers. I guarantee these exercises will get your butt in the best shape ever---But don't just read about them...Get out there and do them!!!

1.Lunges
2.Squats
3. Step Ups
4. Leg Raise
5. Jumping Rope

Yoga for Pooches

If anyone knows anything about me, they know that I am a huge dog lover. So when I heard about the latest exercise for doggies I couldn't pass up the opportunity to blog about it. It's called Yoga for Pooches , also referred to as Doga. I think it's great! Yes, when I first watched the video about about it on yahoo news ,I couldn't help but chuckle a little. But more than just exercise for pooch, it seems to me it would be a great bonding experience with your furry friend.

Want to learn more about this latest crave? Go to www.brendabryan.net to find out all about it!

Fit & Pregnant

Myth: Exercising while pregnant will cause damage to the baby and increase the chances of birth defects.

Truth: As long as mommy-to-be is cautious and knows when and how to limit her activity, exercising and staying fit during pregnancy are great for both her and the baby.

Here are a few simple exercises mommy-to-be can do while pregnant. Please talk with your physician before engaging in any physical activity while pregnant. You will need medical clearance before adopting a regular workout routine.
                                           

Yoga

Brisk Walking

Swimming

Ricky Martin is Gay

Who didn't know this already???

I am so glad Ricky Martin has finally come out of the closet. Yes, when I was 14 I had a major crush on him (especially in the She Bangs Video!!!), but lets face it, we have all suspected this for so long. I am just happy that he has finally decided to be honest with himself and the public about his sexuality. Happiness is truly bliss. And when you cannot be fully honest with yourself and come to terms that "you are who you are no matter what", then you'll never truly be happy.

Congrats to Ricky Martin for having the courage to go public on something that so many are afraid to do!!! Maybe this will help encourage others to do the same. :-)