Get Moving!

So, has anybody made any exercise resolutions? I hope so, because exercise is one of the best things you can do for your physical, mental and emotional well-being.

If you're cleansing to shed a few pounds, this is the perfect time to add some calorie-buring activities to your routine. If it's been a while since you've worked out, you can start by walking. Recent guidelines have set the goal at 10,000 steps a day, which translates to about 5 miles. If that sounds like more than you can handle at the moment, check out The Walking Site for tips on how to get started. Then gradually increase your steps.

If you're more advanced, try interval training - alternating bursts of intense activity followed by periods of rest. I've been doing it for the last month and a half and it's had tremendous results - I've stripped fat, increased my running speed, and have better cardio-vascular performance than ever. This article from the Mayo Clinic explains the theory behind interval training, and this piece from Shape has three great interval workouts to try. Always be sure to consult your physician before you start a new exercise program, and never push yourself beyond your limits. You're a work in progress so you can gradually increase your speed and intensity over time.

Today's post is about cardio - for now - for the New Year - I thought people would want to concentrate on burning some serious cals. But if anyone has some insights on weight-bearing exercise and flexibilty moves please chime in!

Whatever you choose to do, you'll see physical results and feel benefits not long after you start. Studies show that exercise can improve sleep, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, increase focus and raise confidence. Isn't that worth 30 minutes a day? Better yet, aren't YOU worth 30 minutes a day?