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As the season of spring weddings and swim suits draws near, many people are looking to jumpstart their workout and squeeze into that dream gown or itsy-bitsy bikini. Old fitness magazines are dusted off, the latest workout attire is purchased, and dinners of Mac and Cheese are replaced by fruit in a cup.
After a week of no apparent weight loss and carrots for dinner, the inevitable chocolate cravings and longing for beers with friends set in. These cravings are quickly followed by the realization that losing weight is going to be neither fun nor easy.
While models, Olympic athletes, and celebrities look flawless on TV, they will all tell you that getting into shape is no picnic. By incorporating the small things you enjoy into your daily routine, you can jumpstart your results and make your workouts and diet, something you can forward too.
As a consistent gym rat for over seven years, I have discovered three fun secrets that can jumpstart a lagging workout: the right music, reality TV, and eating meals from a box.
Step 1: Load up your I-Pod
Britney Spears may have failed to wear panties, stay married to K-Fed, and even keep her friendship with Paris Hilton; but the girl consistently fires me up for my cardio workouts morning after morning.
While I would never admit to enjoying a Britney song amidst friends, or dare to request “She’s so Lucky” at a club, her songs get my heart pumping and my legs running each and every morning. Old school artists like the Backstreet Boys, No Doubt, and Janet Jackson have some of the best beats around and have likely been forgotten and replaced by the standard Top 10 hits. Whether it’s Bon Jovi, or Michael Jackson, don’t be afraid to embrace your inner geek and find something that gets you moving.
Think beyond the MTV hit list and change your songs frequently. Choose one song in particular that fires you up. Use this song at the end of your workout to keep going for those extra five minutes. By adding just five extra minutes to your workout five days a week you can gain an extra half hour of cardio and afford to relax on your weekend.
Step 2: Become a Reality TV Junkie
The best way to shed pounds is by doing cardio- the longer the better. Everyone knows it’s tough to stay on any machine for 30, 40, or 50 minutes, but you don’t have to do it all at once. Work your way up from 15 minutes to the entire duration of American Idol (1 hour!) and you are well on your way to jumpstarting your weight loss.
Try to pick one or two shows a week and stay on your machine for the entire show. The average show is just 30 minutes and you can incorporate intervals into your workout during commercial breaks.
Personally, I enjoy the worst of reality TV, but the news, and sports are also great ways to keep your attention and stay on a machine. If you are planning to watch a show anyways, jump on a cardio machine and torch some calories instead of snacking on nachos throughout the game.
Step 3: Eat Meals from a Box
Oreo Cookies, Chex Mix, and Supreme Pizza are three foods I couldn’t live without. Fortunately, they all come in portion controlled sizes. If you are a victim of Clean Plate Syndrome- anything out of a box should be your best friend. Always check the nutrition information first, and then eat your Supreme South Beach Diet Pizza (just 350 calories) guilt free and enjoy a healthy snack. Frozen meals don’t have to replace meals forever, but for quick weight loss results, pay attention to your hunger level and eat controlled portions.
In addition to what’s on your plate, don’t forget to think about the calories in your glass. It's easy to overlook the liquid portion of your meals and snacks. But what you sip might slip you up if you're choosing lots of empty-calorie, sugar-laden drinks. A Caramel Frappuccino Blended Coffee from Starbucks contains 430 calories! Pick lower calorie choices such as flavored water, green tea, and milk for healthy nutrients and less calories.
Bottom line- small changes can make a big difference. Whether it’s a cheesy song, trashy show or a mini Snickers candy bar, remember to incorporate things you enjoy into your daily routine. Having fun is the real secret to a healthy body and lifestyle. |
Written by Guest on 2007-05-29 09:09:09
Love the tips, love the writing style. Nice story | Written by Guest on 2007-05-29 09:57:30
great article and tips - love south beach! | Hott Story
Written by Guest on 2007-05-29 11:15:02
LOVES IT, Bitch | Awesomeness
Written by Guest on 2007-05-29 17:09:19
Oreos, chex mix and pizza are GREAT. | good idea
Written by Guest on 2007-05-29 18:35:49
good idea-keeping it simple!  | Written by Guest on 2007-06-03 22:35:53
amaaaaazing |
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