10 Fitness Beliefs - Examiner.com

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I thought all my "fitness buddies" would enjoy this article, especially on the red wine and chocolate. I know I did!

10 Fitness Beliefs:

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1.       Work out hard. There's nothing better than the rush of accomplishing a difficult task. Work out at a level that leaves you with that same feeling--the feeling that you pushed yourself and you've accomplished something great.

2.       Take days off.  Don't over do your workouts.  Take at least 2-3 days off each week.  This allows your body to recover and rejuvenate for your next workout.   And, really take them off.  Lounge around in pajamas, watch TV, read, & write. There's nothing wrong with enjoying down-time guilt-free.

3.       Lift weights. Even if it’s not much, always add at least 2 weight sessions to your weekly schedule. These workouts ensure that your bones will stay strong, & they will increase your muscle mass, which increases metabolism and calorie-burn.

4.       Get outside. Being out in the sun (or even out in the rain) gets you fresh air, a nice breeze, and a clear head that you can't get from any gym.

5.       Take a friend. Whether your friend is the 4-legged variety or the 2-legged variety, sharing a workout is always more fun & makes the time pass faster.

6.       Drink wine and eat chocolate...after your workout. How decadent does it feel to sit down with a glass of wine and some succulent dark chocolate?  How much better does that feel if you save that feeling for after your workout?  Dark chocolate and wine provide great health benefits, but their benefits are all the much greater if you pair them with exercise.

7.       Try something new. Whether that's snowboarding, or tennis, or water-skiing, it doesn't matter.  Take the opportunity to engage your mind while learning a new motor skill--you'll actually burn more calories by keeping both your mind and your body engaged together.

8.       Listen to your body, not the scale. You know when you're treating your body right & when you're slacking off. You don't need a scale to tell you that. So, gauge your progress by how your clothes fit, by getting your body fat tested, or by how energetic you feel on a day-to-day basis, not by the number on the scale.

9.       Understand that fitness is a journey. If fitness is seen as a goal, not a journey, what happens when the goal is reached? Remind yourself daily that fitness is a journey...some days are good, some are bad. Heck, some months are bad, but know that as long as you respect your body and treat it with the care that it deserves, you will stay on course to win the prize in the end.

10.   Diets are a hoax. Just eat good, healthy foods. Whole-wheat breads, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, etc. Who needs to spend money on all those crazy books or systems when most of eating right just takes a little common sense and dedication?