2/09/2008

Ten Minutes to Total Fitness

Ten Minutes to Total Fitness

There are so many reasons to start your day with exercise we could fill up pages of information on the topic. Unfortunately, most people are overwhelmed and stressed and let days or even weeks go by without fitting in a workout. It is a sad picture of the American lifestyle. We are too busy to stay healthy to enjoy all of the perks we are working for. The lack of regular exercise leaves you feeling weak, fatigued and increases your health risks, not to mention the unwanted pounds that start creeping on.

Don’t let that stop you. Here are some simple solutions that will help you to fit fitness into your life. I know, at first an hour a day may seem too overwhelming. The reality may be that you don’t have that much time to spare. Let’s think about it a little differently. Simple little starts will pay off consistently over time. You can still stay in shape by doing the bare minimum. If you squeeze in a 10-minute workout every single morning, you’ll accrue the equivalent of more than three 20-minute workouts per week. And fitting in that extra 10-minutes of activity every day for a year will not only boost your health, but can lead to a 5-pound weight loss.

Kick-start your day with upper and lower body exercises.

Circuit Training is a great way to get started with little cost or expense. Your body, some good shoes and ten minutes are all you need to get started. We know that muscle burns more calories than fat, so make your ten minutes a day count by building fat burning muscle. Push ups are a great exercise for your chest back and arms. Squats and lunges are wonderful exercises that incorporate all of the muscles in your legs. Throw in some crunches to work your abdominal muscles and you have just given your self an entire body workout in 10 minutes.
• Perform one set of 20 repetitions for each muscle group, taking about one minute for each move and avoid pausing between exercises. Do this workout every day. Push ups and lunges are great ways to get started with out any extra weights or gym membership. The work both upper and lower muscle groups.
• On days when you have slightly more time, do two or three sets of the moves. Or get your heart rate up by marching or jogging in place for 30 seconds to 1 minute in between exercises.
• Modify this workout to match your fitness level. Adapt them as needed to make them easier or more challenging.
Before you know it, you will be craving the activity and gradually increase your time. Most of all let this article encourages you to get started right now. Take ten minutes and take control of your life and your fitness.

Amber Bishop is the co-founder of www.smartmoms-smartbusiness.com and www.smartmoms.freeforums.com ;online resources for work at home moms. She is also the owner of www.homeschool-diva.com She stays home and home schools her three children while building a successful home based business.

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