Organizing your Fitness Life!

I've got a fabulous twitter friend...and she agreed to doing a guest post for us! Lisa Johnson knows fitness- and me not so much ;) 

Here's Lisa....

Krista always keeps us on our "organized" toes with weekly, monthly, and seasonal schedules.  One of the things to think about as you slip into new routines this Fall is to update your fitness routine, too.

Here’s a quick check list:

Have I changed my fitness routine in the past six months?
How old are my sneakers?
Does my sports bra still fit properly?
When was the last time I bought new workout clothes?
Am I happy with my gym membership?
Is there a new sport I want to try?
How do I balance fitness with my loved ones?
 
New Routine
If you’ve been running the same two-mile lap around your neighborhood for so long that there are ruts in the road, it’s time to shake things up.  You can change the intensity by adding “intervals” which means short bursts of strenuous activity.  For instance, if you normally run a 10-minute mile, try two or three bursts of speed where you run at an 8-minute pace for two minutes time.  Another change is to start increasing your overall running time; add two or three minutes per week to your workout so that in a month you've added ten minutes, and another mile, to your runs.  The extra time really won't affect your overall schedule and you’ll be burning as much as 100 extra calories per workout.
 
New Sneakers
If you haven’t replaced your sneakers in a while, it's time to treat yourself to a spiffy new pair.  Runners should change their shoes every 350 to 550 miles; same with walking shoes.  Aerobics shoes should be replaced at least once a year.  A general rule of thumb is if your normal routine is starting to cause discomfort then you should inspect your sneakers.  If they look worn, get a new pair and let them inspire you to better workouts!
 
New Bra
What's true for your feet is also true for your boobs. If your sports bra is old, the support structure is stretched, or if you’ve recently lost or gained more than ten pounds, you’re going to need a new bra.  Make sure you keep the girls fully supported.  Buy at least two bras so you can alternate between workouts, and to keep them in best shape, hang them to dry instead of popping them in the dryer.
 
New Workout Clothes
Yes, it really is okay to workout in that ratty t-shirt with who knows what stains on it.  But wouldn’t it be nicer to exercise in some chic new threads?  Workout clothes are really inexpensive these days.  Retail chains carry stylish brands and there are tons of specialty clothing stores, both in the malls and online.  Just one request: no track suits, please! Pick stylish separates that work well together and keep it simple.  When trying on new clothes, make sure they don’t bind at the shoulder or crotch and make sure when you bend over to touch the ground that everything stays covered!
 
Gym Membership
Have you gone lately?  Or is your bank account taking a needless hit every month?  Take a good hard look at that gym membership and make a decision.  Either plan two to three sessions per week at the gym or cancel the membership.  There's no sense wasting money.  Heck, a month’s fee could be better spent on a new pair of sneakers and a walking routine.  The pros for staying with the gym are that lots of variety is available, you can meet like-minded people, and have access to expert help.  The cons: if you don’t go, you’re just wasting your money (and probably feeling guilty about not going).  Think it over and decide.
 
New Sport
The next time you’re flipping through a magazine and see a new type of workout you want to try, don’t just say, "Naaaah."  Take a chance and try it out.  I felt very silly when I tried my first hula hooping class not that long ago, but I love it and it’s changed the way I feel about cardio.  (Yes, hooping is cardio!)  Maybe it’s kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, bowling, bocce, or whatever, find a local class or check out a book at the library and give it a shot.  You never know what door you’re going to open.
 
Fitness Family
When was the last time your family had fitness fun together?  Plan time during the month, as little as one day or as often as you can, to workout together.  You can stroll the neighborhood, play at the beach, hike a mountain, or go on a bike ride through the countryside.  And as the weather cools off, you can hold a family dance party in the living room.  There are so many options and you’re kids will love the time you spend together as a unit.  You’ll be creating a lifetime of memories and healthy habits for everyone.
 
So before Labor Day is past, go through your checklist and see what needs to be adjusted, added, or taken away.  I would love to hear how you have spruced up your fitness routine for the fall.
 
Thanks Krista for welcoming me to your blog!
 
Lisa Johnson
http://ModernPilatesBoston.com
http://LisaJohnsonFitness.com

Links
sneakers:
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/tipsandtricks/a/replaceshoes.htm
Aerobic Shoes:
http://www.aboutaerobics.com/purchaseathleticshoes.html
Walking Shoes:
http://www.thewalkingsite.com/faq.html

Comments

[Tiffany]

This is a wonderful blog.

Wonder why I never came across this earlier.

Please share this with the bizymoms Portland community.

http://www.bizymoms.com/portland/index.php

They would love this useful tips to fitness.

[Weight Loss Tips]

Hi!, that's completely true I've read it in other blogs, specially the routine, changing your intervals in your running of example really makes you to burn more calories in one workout session.

[stacyfaye]

You're not the only one to suggest new sneakers. I have a hard time making that a motivation for me because my shoes don't wear out on the road. You see, my Versaclimber has become my best friend and so I don't go outside to exercise any more. Perhaps it's time to make that change. Thanks for the article!

[health and fitness clubs in san diego]

Thanks for the tips. Organizing my fitness life has been very effective!

-James