Exercise Gifts and Gear

Essentials: Comfortable clothes that breathe (don’t hold moisture and heat in). Shoes that are appropriate for your type of exercise.

Extremely Helpful: Water bottle so you can wet your whistle as needed (remember - 8 cups a day!) Watch so you know how long you’ve been doing which exercises, and to check you heart rate periodically.

Helpful: Music can be a big motivator. It can keep you up to speed, and add inspiration. Caution when using a walkman on the street. Keep one ear uncovered for emergency and safety if you must have music while you exercise outdoors.

This is not intended as medical advice which should be obtained directly from your doctor.

FADS

What were the exercise fads this past year? Giant balls and Pilates. The year before that it was yoga and stretchy bands.Before that it was tae-bo and ab rollers, before that kick boxing (generic tae bo) and ab rockers. Before that… oh you get the idea.

Just because it’s a fad doesn’t mean it’s bad. Pilates is a fantastic workout, as is tae-bo. What’s important is that you have fun with whatever you choose to do, and that it is safe.

It won’t help motivate you if you spend a lot of money on a membership or piece of equipment or expensive video set.

You can exercise without any of those things. Find the motivation inside yourself, don’t look for it “out there.” Indulge within your limit so you can have some fun toys to work with. Definitely expand your horizons and see what else is fun, what else can help you feel fit in new ways.

If possible, try out the videos before you buy (at the library or video rental store) and try the new piece of equipment at an equipment store or at the gym before you invest.

This is not intended as medical advice which should be obtained directly from your doctor.

FUN

Does your workout feel more like work than fun? No wonder it’s hard to stick to. How can you add some fun into the routine? Break the routine! Expand your horizons.

Try a different activity: Usually walk? Try swimming. Usually do an aerobics video? Try a belly dancing aerobic or ballet aerobic video. Usually alone? Try a workout buddy.

Usually at home? Try a free 1-week trial membership to a gym (most gyms offer that or a daily rate like the YMCA).

Usually exercise in the evening? Try a morning workout when you might have more energy for a better workout and will get the added benefit of having a revved-up metabolism all day!

Usually wear sweatpants and a baggy sweatshirt? Try a pair of shorts and t-shirt.

Usually do your sets and reps and watch the clock on your cardio? Try putting on your favorite rock album from the 70’s and dance like a fool until you giggle at yourself.

This is not intended as medical advice which should be obtained directly from your doctor.