We all know we should exercise more but with our sometimes crazy work schedules there never seems to be enough hours in the day.
If you do have a spare hour or two not everyone is comfortable going to the gym especially if you are just starting out in regaining your fitness. Let’s face it gyms can be pretty intimidating places if you are carrying a couple of extra pounds and surrounded by the active wear clad body beautifuls posing in the mirrors.
Doing some type of exercise daily is extremely beneficial for your overall health and exercise releases the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals called endorphins.
Regular exercise has been proved to reduce stress, ward off anxiety and feelings of depression, boost self-esteem and improve sleep apart from getting you fitter and losing a few pounds.
The holidays are perfect for trying out some exercise workouts and this is where the wonderful world of exercise/fitness DVDs comes into play.
Of course, there is nothing better than getting outside, going for a brisk walk and breath some fresh air. But if the weather isn’t the greatest the floor in front of your TV will work just fine. Wear some comfortable clothes, active wear optional, and get moving.
Nearly every type of exercise or fitness class is catered for and some that you may not have heard of. Such as, Shaun T’s Focus T25 (get an hour’s results in 25 minutes a day), Dance that Walk (which looks like a heck of a lot of fun), Yoga, Pilates, PiYo (a combination of Pilates and Yoga without the long, intense poses), Tai Chi, Zumba (dance yourself fit) or Hip Hop Abs.
You can buy anything from a single DVD to a whole kit which can include DVDs, workout calendars, nutrition guides, meal planners and recipes.
If you haven’t exercised in a while start off with a low impact workout like Dance that Walk where you can ease your way into it so you don’t get overly sore muscles or joints and get discouraged. This excellent workout program is suitable for all ages and fitness levels and incorporates walking and basic dance steps with jive, cha cha and samba themed music in the background.
The Shaun T’s Focus T25 is a short, high intensity workout for people who are reasonably fit but there is a low impact modified version you can follow if you have any knee or back issues. It’s 25 minutes of cardio with some strength training so it’s all about burning fat and toning muscles.
There is a fitness routine suitable for everyone, so move it or lose it these holidays, no excuses, make it fun and welcome in the New Year with a new look you.
