Five Favorite Fitness Tips for 2013

I wanted to share with you some fitness tips as we head into the new year! With spring cleaning, new years resolutions and new opportunities on the horizon, sometimes it gets to be so overwhelming that we don't even know where to start, so here are a few tips to help you out as the new year begins...

(1)

Motivate your self with the help of your role models (even if they live miles away). Try dedicating each mile that you walk, run or bike to a person that inspires, motivates or means something special to you; you are going to work that much harder to push out that final mile!

(2)

Remember that exercising should not be something you HAVE to do... that mindset can lead to resentment. Too stressed out or tired to hit the gym? Just remember that exercising increases your energy and decreases your stress, allowing you to maintain your cool in those stressful situations...

(3)

Don't push too hard!!! If you really do not feel like going to the gym, sometimes it is better not to force yourself, it may be a sign that your body is overworked and needs time to recover. Still feel guilty? take a quick walk around the block, climb a few stair cases or do a few yoga poses in your bedroom.

(4)

Best friend not feeling the "fitness buddy" vibe? If you were ever a girl scout you might remember the phrase "Make new friends but keep the old...", don't diss a friend just because you don't share a love for strength training or cardio but check out an "online exercise buddy" that will ALWAYS be up for a "fit date"!

The Daily HIIT 

Daily 12-20 minute workouts that allow you to follow along with instructors

so you feel like you are working out with a best friend (who will kick your butt...)

(5)

Mindfulness...

I like to think of this as a "power word". Mindfulness is all about getting yourself out of autopilot and gaining awareness of your surroundings. Remember this word and use it throughout the day... Lifting weights at the gym? Slow down the movement, feel the muscles tightening and then relaxing, feel your breath coming in and then leaving your body. Sitting at work in a daze? Walk outside, take a deep breath, try and pick out smells, look up at the sky, look around at any people passing by, just take things in. Too often we operate on deadlines and schedules without taking even a second to stop and just take in the world around us.