Friday, March 11, 2011

The Basics...Number 2

They say it takes 21 days for something to become habit for an adult, so if you mentally prepare yourself to do SOMETHING for 21 days it will become the norm.

The motto something is better than nothing is also a good one. I started just making sure I did at least 20minutes a day at least 5 days a week. Think about it, 20 minutes out of your day is nothing, and often the THOUGHT of doing something and working up to it is worse than actually doing something. I would try and get my workouts done in the morning, then if I felt like it in the afternoon I would maybe do some yoga or just go for a walk but my main session was over.

Depending on your fitness level, aim to do 2 or 3 cardio sessions a week and 2 or 3 strength training. This could be a 30 minute walk every other day and yoga up to a 5km run and then weight training. Cater it to your own goals.

My 'gym' was in my spare room. I had 2 x 2lb weights, 2 x 10lb weights, a pilates ball and a yoga mat. At the beginning I would go for a walk with the stroller and then come home and do some stretches. The next day I would do some weights and lunges etc. I built this up to running and 30 to 40 min strength sessions (lunges, crunches, squats, kicks, push ups etc)

They key is to mix it up weekly as your body gets used to doing the same thing weekly. Also DON'T BE SCARED OF WEIGHTS! You are not going to bulk up  and look like Arnie but you will be toned and lean and  muscles are active in burning calories even at rest.

I will come back with some basic routines from beginner to more advanced.

HAPPY BLITZING!!!