Shedding Pounds at Home: The Power of Simple Things in Our Life

A you someone who wants to get fit but doesn't have either the time or money to regularly go to the gym? Or do you have a gym membership but rarely use it? Or is it that you secretly hate the gym but force yourself to go anyway? The strong smell of sweat, people using the weird machines expertly that you have no idea how to use, the mere fact people will see you exercising or (dare I say) sweating. What could be worse?! There are many reasons you may not want to go to the gym but what if I said you don't have to in order to tone up and shift the pounds? This article will share various other ways you can get fit, some from the comfort of your own home.

I have to admit, I get nervous and quite self-conscious when I go to a gym because I am not very fit (although I think three minutes on a rowing machine is fine in the summer!). For that reason (and because I am lazy) I like to do most of my exercising indoors with me, myself, and I. There are no judgments and I don't feel any kind of pressure. I enjoy it more. This leads to the most important thing with exercising, finding a method you enjoy. I thought I hated exercising until I discovered Zumba. Now I focus on dance workouts because I enjoy dancing; I don't think of it as exercise.

Enjoyment is important to making something become a habit, but motivation is key. Find the reason you want to get fit and keep it at the forefront of your mind. Do you want to tone up or lose weight? Is it for aesthetic reasons? Do you want to improve your health? Whatever your reason, it is important to you and will guide you to your end goal if you want it enough. Don’t give up because it’s hard and doesn’t ever feel threatened by other people. Everyone starts from somewhere. There once was an aspiring bodybuilder who could only spend three minutes on a rowing machine before dying of exhaustion, but now she’s able to easily spend thirty minutes on it before starting her actual workout. With determination and resilience, she made it, and you will too!

It is important to note that not everyone will benefit from the same exercises. Height, weight, and intensity all contribute to the number of calories lost and fat burnt. Some people may find that dancing works best for them whereas others may find brisk walking does more for them. Find what works for you, do not worry about anyone else

I am Focusing on the simpler things in life, giving thanks for the wonderful things we do have:

1. Stay active.

Don't let hectic schedules and excess obligations be an excuse for slacking off of your fitness regime. Commit to walking on a nature trail, taking a yoga class, or even working out your aggressions at a kick-butt kickboxing class as a means of staying physically fit and offsetting the extra calories that you are bound to consume this season. Give yourself permission to indulge from time to time as you see your favorites passed around the table. You've worked hard this past year—you earned it!

2. Hydrate!

With all of these extra cocktails that you could potentially consume, it is important to stay hydrated. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it draws water out of your tissues. Proper hydration is key to good health, and as the winter months tend to be a drier season as well, drinking adequate amounts of water will keep fatigued and illness at bay.

3. Stay organized.

Make and prioritize lists of what is absolutely necessary, what would be nice to accomplish, and what can wait until after the New Year. If it makes you feel better, cross items off as you accomplish them, and realize right now that not everything will get done. Do what you can to keep your stress level low and your spirits high as you celebrate family, friends

4. Expect surprises.

While you would love for everything to go smoothly, realize that not every holiday activity you have planned will go as planned. The tree might fall off the car on the way home, or Grandma's teeth might be missing for a family photo. Laugh it off, and know that you will have some stories to tell at future holiday gatherings that will make everyone smile.

5. Plan your workout time.

If you have a rigid pre-holiday workout schedule, it's time to get a bit more flexible with your thinking around fitness, especially around the holidays. There is always time to work out, and while it might not be at 6 a.m. like you usually adhere to, find time to prioritize your health while rushing around to buy gifts, prepare food, and send off cards. Ten minutes here, ten minutes there is better than no workout at all.

6. Work from home if you can.

It may cause additional stress to have to run into the office for something that could easily be accomplished at home. . Talk to your boss and see if you can spend a day at home in your pj's, answering emails, and scheduling conference call. It is as good for your mental health as it is for your physical well-being.

7. Get enough sleep!

Never underestimate the power of a good night's sleep. It helps boost your immune system, promotes mental clarity, and just gives you more energy to sail through your busy days coming into the holiday season. Set early bedtimes, and establish healthy habits for promoting healthy sleep like reducing screen time earlier in the day and cutting back on caffeine and sugar which can disrupt sleep patterns.

8. Get rid of your "all or nothing" mindset.

It can be stressful to fall off the fitness wagon by indulging in rich foods or failing to follow through with your workout schedule. You'll just be adding to your stress if you continue to beat yourself up for not adhering to your nutrition and workout plan. Get creative with your activities; involve other families in fitness activities such as dance competitions, family hikes, and the like. Give yourself permission to indulge, and know that you don't have to indulge every day, but one party is acceptable for enjoying some favorite foods and cocktails. Revel in the joy of the season, and love the activities you are doing and the people that you are with. Staying positive and focused on appreciation and gratitude will motivate you to continue your healthy habits.