Creative Cardio

My goodness it was a long winter here on the west coast of Canada... snowfall after snowfall... SO unusual for this region. I feel as though I am just NOW coming out of hibernation, like a big old grouchy bear hungry for spring.

Five perfectly sunny days in a row over this past week has perked me right up and I suddenly feel awake again! I don't know about you but the lack of light and the cold weather really affects me. Signs of spring are emerging slowly again and I am EXCITED! To think that Daylight Savings is but a mere month away gets me squeeling at the elongated daylight and the possibilities it presents to stretching each day's activities.

One of the immediate motivations that has increased for me this last while is my interest in fitness. Waking up with the early morning sunrise, I am again out for daily power walks and am sometimes even following it with a 20-minute core strength video session, to tighten up my abs and back mucles. By my 50th birthday this June I intend on being as buff as possible.

How are you doing with your fitness goals?

It can be quite easy to insert cardio exercises into the day, even if going to the gym is not your thing. There are a variety of ways to get a decent cardio workout without getting bored or having to go far from home. Here are four ideas to help you get started;

1. Seek out and use stairs wherever you can find them. Avoid using elevators and you'll add great heart-pumping exercise to your day.


2. Park at the furthest end of the parking lot and get in a little walk to the entrance of where you're going.
   
3. Thirty minutes of walking at a moderate pace can burn calories and help tone and strengthen your muscles. Walking outdoors give you time in nature and breathing (hopefully) fresh air.


4. Jump rope (or even imagine you're jumping a rope)... it's fun! Do you know that jumping rope can burn about 200 calories in 15 minutes (which is as many or more calories one burns while running).
   
   
5. Dance, either at home to some hot music or with a partner. Sign up for dance classes! Ballroom dancing can be great fun and a great workout too. There are many different dance styles to experiment with.

Go on, muster your willingness to get up off the sofa and get moving in some small ways. As you infuse your week with two or three (even) small movement sessions, you'll notice how great it feels and soon you'll notice the many benefits to your body and mind.

I'll be routing for you!

Warmly, Carolyn

www.innerfitness.ca

Our "BEST YOU Possible" eBook is available at www.life-balance-success.com