No tickets to the "gun show"

As you know, I love running, walking, any type of cardio. But the only strength training I've found that I like to do is in the context of a class, like pushups during my boxing class, or making the effort to do a pilates class before boxing. But I've never really been able to consistently add any type of weight training routine. So I told my class last night that the next thing I would try would be to keep my weights by the TV or by my computer and I would lift periodically throughout the morning while I'm working at home. It's working so far!! I take little breaks to do short bouts of lifting. I'm not sure if it will make a great impact in my "guns" but I think if I can start some consistency with this strategy, I may learn to like weight lifting enough to incorporate an actual consistent routine a couple of times a week. I stumbled across these 10 lb. weights when I was looking for my heavier weights (which I was dreading using, but they were my only weights)... do these look familiar David? I found them in the "storage" bedroom :)

What's your favorite type of exercise? Cardio, strength, or none at all?

Exercise makes you smarter

Have you exercised for at least 10 minutes today? From the article Bigger Brains, Better Genes: "You probably already know that regular, moderate exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health and well-being. What you may not know is that new research is showing that exercise beneficially affects your genes, helps reverse the aging process at a cellular level, gives you more energy, makes you smarter, and may even help you grow so many new brain cells (a process called neurogenesis) that your brain actually gets bigger."

That's regular, moderate exercise folks. Developing a lifelong habit of exercise starts with 10 minutes a day for a week and increasing from there. Doing multiple bouts throughout the day can help you if you're like the rest of us with a million other things to do. What problem-solving do you need to do to get in at least 10 minutes of exercise before you go to bed tonight? What about tomorrow? Don't wait until Monday, start a new positive behavior today!

Check out this list of articles on WebMD.... lots of useful information for losing weight and keeping it off.

The Boxing Club

I just signed up for a short term membership to try out classes at The Boxing Club. My friend Angela and I tried a class there last month and it kicked our butts!! It is a great workout and feels very empowering to put on a pair of boxing gloves and get out some aggression on the bag :) I think it's going to be the best way for me to get in strength training and toning since I get bored with traditional weightlifting routines. This seems like something that will keep me interested.

Forerunner 101

Garmin Forerunner 101 Personal Training Device / GPS
The Forerunner 101 offers recreational walkers and runners an entry-level personal training device with GPS. The device features an easy-to-read display, ergonomic wristband, and integrated GPS sensor that provides precise speed, distance, and pace data.

This allows you to walk or run anywhere and always be able to calculate your mileage and your calories burned. Only available at Home Depot online and not in their stores.

Running 101

I know, I know... many of you are probably like my sister-in-law, you'll never run from anything but danger :) but in the event that some of you are thinking about adding running to your exercise routine, I wanted to share an article in Runner's World, Running 101, to help you get started. The article includes tips for running as well as a 10 week training schedule to get started safely and without injury.

Exercise - Add 10 minutes today

I'm off in a while to run around Mission Bay. It's about an 8 mile run and this is just a normal run to keep me on track for the marathon next week. I'm in the "tapering" phase of training where my running decreases until the marathon so that I'm rested and healthy after my 20 mile run a few weeks ago. When I'm not training, this is the run I do on the weekends just as part of my routine.

I always thought running a marathon sounded so unbelievable, how can you run 26.2 miles?! I had never run more than probably 3 miles at the time. But then my brother ran the Mardi Gras marathon a few years ago and that made it believable... if he can run it, then so can I! (That's a competitive sister for you!) So when I started training for the Marine Corps marathon that we were going to run together, I was amazed when I finally went for a 10 mile run ~ and survived it!! Now, I'm hooked on the goal. I probably wouldn't work as hard on my physical activity if I didn't set these goals for myself ~ running 5k's, half-marathons and training for future marathons.

What does your physical activity routine look like? Regular exercise is not only necessary for managing your weight, but it helps to slow down the aging process and decreases the risks for many aging and weight related diseases. So here's my assignment to you today:

Add 10 minutes of physical activity to your day today. If that is only 10 minutes, then that is perfect. If you are not currently exercising regularly, start problem-solving to add just 10 minutes of exercise, such as walking, to your day. Regular habits require momentum and momentum requires consistency, so start doing today whatever you can keep doing tomorrow, and the next day and the day after that.

Regular exercise requires developing the skills of problem-solving. We are all busy and find it difficult to fit into our day, plus it's not always fun to exercise, but practice today finding a way to add 10 additional minutes of intentional exercise into your day.

Online exercise demos

Sparkpeople.com offers online exercise demos for strength training and stretching. You have to register with the web site to access these demos, but it's free.