Making Exercise Possible

Exercise and running are probably the hardest things I have time to set aside for each day in my life. It seems almost impossible to keep consistent workout routines and push myself to keep fit and healthy. It just so easy to wake up and get to work and then come home, rest and relax before going to sleep to do it all over again. How many of you find yourself in the same predicament. If you are like me you probably even have a gym membership which you probably only use 1 or 2 times a year when your buddies, friends or family members are all hyped up about joining a gym. This gets you motivated and you perhaps go a few times with them to the gym.

The problem is that most people, like myself and probably yourself, is that its hard to stay motivated and commit to working out and staying healthy. It almost feels and seems natural to just be lazy. So I was thinking the other day, what can make my workout routine more enjoyable. What will keep me motivated to staying fit and working out? Well I came up with a few things that helps me and may also possible help you.

First thing on my list and probably number one is a workout buddy, partner or friend. Just like your random visits to the gym its usually inspired by someones new motivation to workout at a local gym. So you end up joining them and when their motivation to go is lost, or your schedules collide and don't line up evenly with each others, both peoples motivation to go is lost. Its a proven fact that 80% of month paying gym members don't actually go to the gym more than a dozen times per month. But what does get you in their is a friend or family member who wants to take up the health challenge just as you once did. So find a buddy, and neighbor, wife, husband, daughter, or relative that lives near by and one that can join you in a regular workout routine.

Second thing on my list is to make working out convenient, which means in the comfort of my own home. So many people want to have a gym membership, but getting our self out of our comfort zone and into a gym almost seems daunting and embarrassing. If you ever been to a gym, then you probably feel out of place, alone and many times embarrassed by the muscle building meat heads flexing in the mirror or the skinny, slim and ab ripped runners on the treadmill right next to you, leaving you feeling fat, overweight and out of shape. I hate that feeling, second to number one on my list has to be working out in my living room, back yard or garage. You know the majority of people in gyms who are regular and frequent who can workout alone and happy and those that are fit and in shape and the only reason they are in shape is usually because they need to be for whatever they do in life. Many are athletes, some are police and fireman, and many are young and in high school or college where image and strength are all that matter. So an at home workout routine is vital to those not in those positions and for those who still want to be healthy and fit.

Third on my list has to be equipment. I don't believe you need to invest in $10,000 machines and equipment but some basics will help such as an elliptical machine for low impact cardiovascular workout, some small weights to add some strength training but nothing to elaborate as we are probably not trying to build muscle mass, and a workout bench. If you had a gym membership and paid 39.99 per month then you would spend about $500 per year at your local gym. You should invest in some at home gym equipment that will last you for years, I would recommend something you can and plan on using for at least 5 years at a time so its monetary value exceeds what you would spend at a gym. Buy a workout bench for a few hundred bucks, maybe and few hundred in weights and other misc equipment like floor mats, medicine balls, punching gloves and etc. Your biggest investment however will probably be the cardio machine. This site is about the Schwinn 460 elliptical machine and that is the product I recommend you invest in for your cardio workout. This machine has many program settings and workout routines for you to choose from and the benefits of an elliptical far out weight that of treadmills, stair climbers, bikes and rowing machines. You burn more calories and its less stressful and impactful on your body.

The last thing I will recommend besides a workout partner, working out from home and good equipment is a good healthy and strong diet. There is no point is putting in the commitment and time only to spoil it all with bad eating habits. Many people think that just because they workout an hour a day and burn 500 or more calories means they can eat whatever they want. Make sure to do your research about foods because not every calorie is the same. There are good and bad calories and good and bad fats. Some are easier to burn off, others stick like glue. I enjoy eating chicken and turkey breasts and vegetables such as spinach, corn, peas, broccoli and etc. These are healthy foods and taste great if prepared properly. Also don't forget to eat 3 times a day as that is crucial to keeping your metabolism going and keeping your body out of starvation and survival mode.