Get Moving!

It's funny how easy it is to view summer as this time where all you do is lay around on the couch beating the heat watching movies, going on vacation and just "getting some rest". Why on earth do we need 3 1/2 months of rest?! The bottom line is, we don't, and it's all in your attitude and your approach to life of how you treat your summer and yourself. YOU are worth more than a bag of potato chips with a movie. YOU are worth more than pigging out at the summer family bbq 'because you only do it once a year'.

Being physically active is important for you mentally and physically like we've read over and over again, and the important thing is to just Get Moving. We all have different fitness goals and below I posted some ways that you can get up, moving and active based on where you currently are in your level of fitness or where you want to be. A little bit of time spent up and around can change your attitude for the day, the manner in which you treat others, and give you a refreshed energy like you've never known before! Just find what works for you and roll with it! Soon you'll be begging others to join you and then the rest, as they say, is history!

Beginner Fitness (you're out of shape, never worked out or done much before, injured or wanting to take it easy)
Light swimming: Walk some laps, grab a pool noodle/kick board and push it back and forth as you walk
A walk around the neighborhood: Take the dog and kids! Even they want to stay fit!
Gentle yoga: There are plenty of ways to do this for free. Find a local free yoga class, youtube or google! Check out http://www.lululemon.com/giftofyoga if you have a lululemon store near you or visit http://www.doyogawithme.com/ for some great instructors and easy to follow practices.
Be a kid again!: Pick up a jump rope, hula hoop or other fun outdoor toy and get busy!
Dance around your house or clean: Let's face it. Something ALWAYS has to be done around the house. The oven needs to be cleaned, laundry needs to be done, those vents are starting to look a little dusty...and so much more! Why not get up and do it?! You'd be amazed at how you can wear yourself out just doing things around the house!

Intermediate Fitness (you work out fairly regularly, are more in shape, like more sports and "gym-like" activities)
Join your gym or local rec center: If you're not quite sure what you're doing in an open gym, or that comfortable, join some group classes or hire a personal trainer! USE YOUR RESOURCES! Hiring a personal trainer (your local rec center should always have a deal on this - it is affordable I promise!) allows you to ask questions and get a fitness program tailored to your every workout desire. Group classes are fun to just jump in and have FUN while getting in shape!
Go for a hike: Find some nearby trails and explore. Take the kids, your friend, husband, etc and throw on some tennis shoes and sunscreen and sweat for a couple of miles.
Begin biking: I have a new-found passion for mountain-biking and love the low-impact it has on my knees while still getting one of the best workouts I can get.
Horseback-riding: I've ridden since I was 8 years old, and you'd be surprised at the workout you can get from the back of an animal!

Advanced Fitness (you've been working out for a while, like to challenge yourself and work hard)
Two-a-days: Like to workout and work hard? Try a two-a-day every once in a while! It doesn't even necessarily have to be two hard workouts a day. Complete your scheduled workout in the morning and then try an intermediate fitness activity in the afternoon!
Advanced classes: Attend a more difficult, upper level exercise class at a local studio or gym. Barre classes, kickboxing, core power and bikram yoga, cross-fit, etc...your options are endless!
Train for a 5k or higher: Ever watch those color run videos? Why not go be apart of one?? Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just getting into running, setting a goal of your next race can motivate you to keep going with your fitness goals. I swear they are coming up with new 5k ideas every day!
Start a neighborhood fitness group: Know some moms who would really like to start getting active and look to you for help? Help them! Get a morning group together to lead them in a quick pilates class at your home, follow a cool workout DVD, go for a jog or hike together and help others reach their fitness goals like you have! This will keep you motivated to always keep going.

Whether it takes you a million different try's or you find what you love to do to stay active at the first shot, all that matters is that you get up and GET MOVING! You will be happier and healthier because of it and thank your body and mind for giving you the courage to try something new, the motivation to set goals and the power to attack it and go for it! You are worth it!

Comment below and let me know what you think and what you would like to see on the blog next! This is designed with YOU in mind to answer any food, fitness and lifestyle questions!