No Time To Work Out?
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Let's face it. Even if you wanted to, were so committed to making sure you lived a healthy lifestyle and wanted to be in the best shape of your life, you are not going to get to the gym to lift weights, work with your personal trainer or sign up for boot camp.
Life has too many other great things going on and even if it did not, there are still these pesky things like your job, errands, eating and sleeping that need to be taken care of. A day not at the gym does not mean a day not dedicated to your new healthy lifestyle however.
Your job. Think of how you get to work, and how you get around while you are there. Do you try to park as close to the front door as possible and take an elevator whenever you can? Try parking in the middle of the lot, and take the stairs for everything three flights and less. Even if you take public transportation, give up your seat even if you do not have to. There is a reason surfers have such strong core muscles, and it is not just from paddling.
Running errands. This is similar to your job. There are probably many little things that you have never thought of. If you are grocery shopping and only grabbing a few things, use a basket instead of a cart. Park in a central place and walk between the post office and the dry cleaner.
Eating. This one is huge for so many reasons, and it is often overlooked. A healthy dinner is great, but that does not mean you can have a second doughnut for breakfast, or even a first. Put down that soda and pick up a glass of water. Experts and personal trainers agree that several small meals a day are best, but that is not an excuse to graze on a couple of sugar laden cookies every time you walk through the kitchen.
Sleeping. Seriously? Seriously. This might be one of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Proper sleep is important, and that is more than just getting seven to eight hours a night. Turn off all electronics, make sure the temperature is right, and if the pillow you are using now is the same one you had in college, it is time to go shopping. Proper rest helps your body recover and gets you ready for the day ahead.
A day not at the gym does not mean a day of doing nothing. A healthy lifestyle has to become a habit first, and that will only happen by taking NoDaysOFF. Every day is important, and there are a million ways to make each day count.
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Jack Terry is a freelance writer and fitness enthusiast who believes in the unity of body mind and spirit for living a healthy lifestyle. http://www.legacyfit.com