Wednesday's words on exercise

”A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise.”― Winnie the Pooh

Truth be told.....

This morning I ran into a fellow mom on my way to the gym and when I told her where I was headed, she called me an "over achiever" and two thoughts immediately popped in my head— one, thanks for the compliment and two, it's my wrist and not my legs, so why not get back to walking the track (and my mind and body thank me).

Connecting to nature

At the gym this morning, I got on the Elliptical and pushed the courses button for hike through canyons in Utah and when I was done, I not only felt the rush of endorphins, but also felt a connection to nature even though I had been indoors the whole time (and this is way better then mindlessly turning on the TV function for some "cop" drama).

Tuesday's tip: A reminder

When I checked in at the gym, I was told I had a note for missing keys and so I went to the membership desk to check the lost key bin and there were so many keys, I was stunned and thought if you're afraid of leaving something behind, set a reminder on your phone to go off 5 minutes before you leave that says, "Do I have (blank)?

Tuesday's Tip: Moisture Boost

To boost the moisturizing capacity of your body lotion, add a few drops of olive oil to the lotion before you put it one.

(This has done wonders for my winter-is-too-long dry skin.)

Accountability

Recently I have thought of accountability as a partner (i.e. someone you meet at the gym that motivates you to work out) until my daughter made a Rainbow Loom bracelet and I dubbed it the "Accountability  Bracelet" and wear it when I go to the gym to remind me that I am accountable to her to be the healthiest I can and now I am wondering what else I can be accountable to her for, so I wear it  more often (I do go to the gym or yoga 4 times a week).

The power of FOCUS

I learned something in my yoga class this morning (and not new poses)—FOCUS, since the class is 1 hour and 15 minutes and most of us do our exercise all at one time to get it done, I learned the focusing for a concentrated period of time makes you more productive, so set your timer for 1 hour, don't answer the phone and email and put up a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your office door and see how much more work you get done.

(Tip: For those of you in a cubicle, hang a rope at eye level across the opening and attach the sign to that. I know this works because I used it when I had a work-in-a-cubicle job.)

Tuesday's Tip: Prepare ahead

Today at the gym, a woman forgot her sneakers since she was wearing snow boots and so my advice is to pack your bag (purse or briefcase, too) the night before so you don't forget anything in the morning rush.

Tuesday's Tip: Tying your shoes

My daughter explained to me that it was best to untie sneaker before putting them on to help the shoes last longer and I knew she was eight and I also knew that there was a lesson in this tip—doing things the right way first pays off in the long run (unfortunately I got the tip on the late side and my sneakers need to be replaced, but I will take better care of the new pair).

A big shove goes a long way....

I don't normally exercise on the weekends, but today I put on my ankle weights and took a walk in Prospect Park, since my daughter said this morning "Whoever has the largest waist has to go to the gym today" and I was it, so on my way out the door I told her thank you (sometimes you need a big push to head in the right direction).

Morning person or not?

I've spent years telling people that I became a morning person, when I had my daughter (now, 8) and got up at 3 or 4 AM when she was a baby only to realize this weekend that I am not morning person (just like my father who slept until noon on weekends) and so I raise a mug to coffee and afternoon gym workouts.

Tuesday's Tip: Remember to breath

I heard this over and over in my yoga class and it got me thinking that if we took time on several occasions during the day to "remember to breath", that is focus on our breath, we could slow down, quiet or mind and in the end be more productive—so thanks to my yoga teacher, Evalena for reminding us to "slow down."

My dad, My daughter and a golf swing....

Today when I was at the gym, I realized that one of the exercises I was doing was like a golf swing which father taught me (Thanks, Dad!) and now I am wondering if my daughter is on the Ipad for an hour plus what am I teaching her.

Another Monday with the addition of HGTV

After a productive day (gym, bank, grocery shopping and folding laundry), I set down to watch HGTV with my daughter and discuss what she believes is the sorry state  of the house to which I informed her she 8 and she informed me that she would like to have an adult conversation with Bernard, a friend and interior decorator—what are we in for when she is actually a teenager?!

Banner Sunday

I have done two loads of laundry, grocery shopped, paid bills and my husband cleaned out some of his books and took our daughter to the American Girl store (He is a trooper), now let's see if he can cap off the day with making dinner, so maybe his gym visit will have to happen tomorrow.

New Year—back to the same old

If felt great to get back to the gym after a vacation and being sick, so now I am energized for the week ahead.

Resolution: To be healthier

I made a resolution to get healthier—eat better and exercise more in 2012. I wrote this contract, so I would feel beholden to my self to do it. Well, I lost about 10 lbs. (still more to go according to my doctor). Now you can us the contract too. Get off to a good start with my.....Healthy Living Contract

End of the year coming, so plan now

I went to the the gym this morning— an attempt to be healthy as the holidays are upon us, so maybe 2013 will be the year that I fulfill my get in shape resolutions.
How to write resolutions you will (and can) keep...