A Bored Body
Dear
Girlfriends,
"When the
oxygen masks drop from the overhead compartment, pull firmly and securely place
the mask over your nose and mouth, first, then assist children and those around
you." Do you think this is a self-centered act? No, of course not. We all know
that in a case of airline emergency, we must ensure we're receiving oxygen for
ourselves in order to care for those who depend on us. So why don't we apply this
same thinking when it comes to our health and fitness?
We're only ten
weeks into the new year, and I'll bet you a dollar to a salmon sushi roll that
you've already given up on your "healthier you" resolution. I have a proven
theory (or at least I've proved it with myself) that we're not burned out with
sweating; the driving force behind our burnout with our workout and healthy
eating habits is time. We don't have time to go to a gym. We don't have time to
invest in learning more about health or fitness. And we don't have time to make
stir-fry tofu (even if we like it). And this issue with time causes us to
sacrifice our selves, leaving our body bored.
If you're
suffering from workout burnout, I'd like to share with you seven quick tips to
get you back on track - because you, my girlfriends, are important. And
important people must stay fit in order to care for all the people who depend
on them.
Tip Number
One:
If you
can't work a 30-minute walk into your day, walk 10 minutes, three times a day.
This slight change could help you get back on track, and soon you'll feel so
good you'll be making time for that 30-minute
walk.
2. Load new
tunes on your iPod or Nano every four to six weeks because boredom can set in
quickly. What's new on my iPod this month? Shelby Lynne. Her music is snappy and fun - Restless, 10 Rocks, and Don't Mind If I Do are a few of my
favorites.
3. Once you
get the walking down, alternate a slow one-minute jog with a brisk one-minute
walk. Before you know it, you'll be ready for the Boston Marathon. (Well, maybe
not - but you'll feel better.)
4. Alternate
your walking days with weight-lifting days. This is the very best fitness
advice I can give you - it's good for burning fat and fighting osteoporosis. Purchase
leg weights and do a few exercises with the weights strapped to your ankles.
You won't believe the results! Also, buy small dumb bells; I started with 2
lbs. and then graduated slowly to heavier ones. I lift 9 lb. dumb bells (mine
are PINK) for 15 minutes, twice a week. See my video at www.ellenmmiller.com to see the
results. Pretty good biceps for a grandma, eh?
5. If you
don't like walking, dance. Turn the music up loud, be a Disco Dolly, and dance
for 15 minutes straight. The results: a heart that is pumping and a happier
disposition. No way can you dance for 15 minutes and not walk away absolutely
giddy. Do you have a daughter? Ask her to join you - it will be good for both
your health and your relationship.
6. Don't
diet. Everyone wants to attribute women's fussy attitudes to hormones but I
disagree. I think women are out of sorts because they suffer from low blood
sugar! Is the whole world on a diet? There are two books on my website about "diets"
that I recommend: Why French Women Don't
Get Fat, by Mireille Guiliano; follow her advice and you'll never have a
weight problem - and Eat for Your Type.
The philosophy shared in this book is very interesting - it explains why
different people burn different foods in different ways. It works like a charm and you get to eat.
7. When
you're tempted not to work out or eat right, watch a documentary on the Special
Olympics. Ladies, you are in possession of precious gifts: a healthy heart,
strong lungs, and two good legs. Be a faithful steward of the body you have
been blessed with and take care of it.
Women tend to the needs of their
families and professions, ignoring their own well-being and fitness. If you
really love your family and your profession - demonstrate it by investing in
yourself, first. You'll be much better prepared for when those oxygen masks
fall. - Ellen
Miller Taking care
of me for the people I love,
Ellen
Posted by Ellen on March 5, 2008 12:13 PM
| Category: One Breath Away From Burnout
|
