The workout rut is all too familiar. We walk the treadmill while watching TV, climb the elliptical with no resistance and do sit-ups aimlessly just to convince ourselves we’re exercising. Sticking to the same regimen day in and day out makes us complacent and does no favors for our muscles. Busting out of the fitness rut is the only way to kick those muscles into gear and really change and tone your body. Try one of my favorite fitness programs to spice up a boring routine and get your bodies rocking for spring[1]:
Online personal trainers. As an avid long distance runner, I would constantly become bored following the same trails. Downloadable training programs like iTrain.com have helped me kick my running to the next level[2] without the added cost of a real personal trainer. So how does it work? Top fitness experts design iTrain’s workouts, which range from weight training to running to yoga, and customers download them. I can download workouts to my phone and follow the steps and motivational support to switch up my exercise regimen and break up my routine.
Spinning. This is a great full-body workout, but it’s way to easy too cheat the resistance–something I am guilty of myself. With classes like Flywheel, you’re forced to stay on track by having a specific goal to reach. The energy and camaraderie in the room is incredibly motivating and makes you want to push your body to the limit.
Ballet barre[3]. If you want the body of a dancer but don’t feel like leaving the house for class, DVDs may be your new best friends. Programs like Physique 57 have produced home workouts inspired by the ballet barre. These programs combine isometric exercises and stretches to lengthen and sculpt your muscles and make your body lean and long.
Vinyasa yoga. This method of fitness is ideal for creating a long, lean body with the added bonus of relaxation and meditation that can help you clear your busy mind. Tons of yoga classes[4] are offered at gyms and studios, and it’s also the perfect exercise to practice at home because there’s little to no equipment needed. I love Power Vinyasa Yoga, which you can download on iTunes.
Once you’ve spiced up your exercise routine[5], make sure to actually follow through. Here are my fast five tips for overcoming fitness procrastination:
Get organized. Planning out a daily schedule and factoring in specific workout times will help you stay on track and organize your day.
Fitness apparel. Pick out your workout clothes the night before to ensure a speedy, stress-free morning.
Avoid the couch. The dreaded couch awaits you after a long day of work. Bringing your fitness clothes to work and going straight to the gym will eliminate any temptation.
Embrace variety. Change up your exercise routines throughout the week to work different muscle groups and reduce boredom.
Set your alarm. That electronic wake-up call for your morning workout is key, but the snooze button is way too handy. Keeping your alarm clock at a distance that requires you to get out of bed will get you moving instead of snoozing[6].
Hungry for more? Write to eatandrun@usnews.com with your questions, concerns, and feedback.
Heather Bauer, RD, CDN , is a nationally-recognized nutrition expert, author, and entrepreneur. She is the author of two top selling books, The Wall Street Diet and Bread is the Devil. She is the founder of Nu-Train, a nutrition consulting company, and Bestowed[7], a subscription service that offers consumers a personalized way to discover, sample, shop, and learn about the best nutrition and lifestyle products on the market.
References
- ^ get your bodies rocking for spring (health.usnews.com)
- ^ kick my running to the next level (health.usnews.com)
- ^ Ballet barre (health.usnews.com)
- ^ yoga classes (health.usnews.com)
- ^ spiced up your exercise routine (health.usnews.com)
- ^ get you moving instead of snoozing (health.usnews.com)
- ^ Bestowed (www.bestowed.com)
Resources:
HOT Workout Tips Autoblog Premium Design 5 Days … – Flippa
Flippa: Website LeanBodyTricks.com is up for auction. Find other websites to buy just like LeanBodyTricks.com on Flippa. https://flippa.com/2907777-hot-workout-tips-autoblog-premium-design-5-days-auction-1-500-bonus
Get Moving: Three Top Tips for Exercise Motivation | The ZocDoc Blog
When there's a will, there's a way but what if there's no will? We all have days when working out seems like pure drudgery. Give lethargy the boot with these tips! http://blog.zocdoc.com/get-moving-three-top-tips-for-exercise-motivation/
TWO Books The Ultimate Guitar Workout & 1001 Guitar Tip & Tricks
2013-03-29T01:04:06.000Z
$8.50 (0 Bids)
End Date: Thursday Apr-4-2013 18:04:06 PDT
Bid now | Add to watch list
Zumba Fitness Exhilarate Program Guide Training Tips & Techniques Wkly Workout
2013-03-07T18:58:08.000Z
End Date: Saturday Apr-6-2013 12:03:08 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $5.95
Buy It Now | Add to watch list
Error 403 (Forbidden)!!1 body{background:url(//www.google.com/images/errors/robot.png) 100% 5px no-repeat;padding-right:205px}p{margin:11px 0 22px;overflow:hidden}ins{color:#777;text-decoration:none}a img{border:0}@media screen and (max-width:772px){body{background:none;margin-top:0;max-width:none;padding-right:0}}#logo{background:url(//www.google.com/images/branding/googlelogo/1x/googlelogo_color_150x54dp.png) no-repeat;margin-left:-5px}@media only screen and (min-resolution:192dpi){#logo{background:url(//www.google.com/images/branding/googlelogo/2x/googlelogo_color_150x54dp.png) no-repeat 0% 0%/100% 100%;-moz-border-image:url(//www.google.com/images/branding/googlelogo/2x/googlelogo_color_150x54dp.png) 0}}@media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio:2){#logo{background:url(//www.google.com/images/branding/googlelogo/2x/googlelogo_color_150x54dp.png) no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:100% 100%}}#logo{display:inline-block;height:54px;width:150px}]]>403. That’s an error.Your client does not have permission to get URL / from this server. (Client IP address: 97.74.24.212)That’s all we know.
Error 403 (Forbidden)!!1 body{background:url(//www.google.com/images/errors/robot.png) 100% 5px no-repeat;padding-right:205px}p{margin:11px 0 22px;overflow:hidden}ins{color:#777;text-decoration:none}a img{border:0}@media screen and (max-width:772px){body{background:none;margin-top:0;max-width:none;padding-right:0}}#logo{background:url(//www.google.com/images/branding/googlelogo/1x/googlelogo_color_150x54dp.png) no-repeat;margin-left:-5px}@media only screen and (min-resolution:192dpi){#logo{background:url(//www.google.com/images/branding/googlelogo/2x/googlelogo_color_150x54dp.png) no-repeat 0% 0%/100% 100%;-moz-border-image:url(//www.google.com/images/branding/googlelogo/2x/googlelogo_color_150x54dp.png) 0}}@media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio:2){#logo{background:url(//www.google.com/images/branding/googlelogo/2x/googlelogo_color_150x54dp.png) no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:100% 100%}}#logo{display:inline-block;height:54px;width:150px}]]>403. That’s an error.Your client does not have permission to get URL / from this server. (Client IP address: 97.74.24.212)That’s all we know.
Yoga: The Alternate Routeto A Stress-free Street
If you are searching for a proven means to attain a healthy body in a healthy mind, then this time-tested system is for you. It is intensively researched and molded into a combined system by the Indian gurus down the ages. Be it spiritual, mental or physical, this technique can be practiced by anybody at […]
The Renowned Conditioning Styles Of The The Latest Mari Winsor’s Pilates Method Workout
With Mari Winsor’s Pilates Method becoming 1 of the greatest maturing types of exercise methods it has picked up oodles of attention on television, Radio and even from movie stars like Daisy Fuentes. In view of the fact that Mari Winsor’s Pilates Method was initiated by Joseph Pilates, a German National, there have been a […]
A Trainer’s Must-have Equipment List
Whether you’re a newly certified trainer or a seasoned trainer who is considering going solo, you’ll need a few pieces of fitness equipment to get started on your training journey. Although there are hundreds of body-weight exercises you can do with your clients, you’ll want some tools to keep them excited and challenged. You can […]
