Monday, May 23, 2011

My Sneaker Talks to Me

One thing is certain, in this age of iPads and smart phones and Internet-connected everything: There is no shortage of cool gadgets to help you keep every aspect of your life on track.

My latest favorite is the Nike plus device on my Iphone (more here: http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/). I wasn’t kidding, in the title: My sneakers really do talk to me. Well, the little gadget laced into my left sneaker talks to me, to be specific. It tells me when my pace slows down, for instance, or that I have 5 more miles to complete my workout.

It doesn’t hurt that the voice of the gadget on my sneaker is that of a sultry, sexy man who maybe sounds a teensy bit like John Hamm. 

There are lots of fitness gizmos out there. There always will be. One of my workout buddies, for instance, swears by the “fitbit,” (www.fitbit.com) a $99 pedometer that connects over Blu-tooth to an Internet log that gives even more options to log health-related information.

For me, the fitness gizmo that always keeps me going is the one that has my music on it. Creating playlists to go with whatever type of workout you’re up for will help with motivation. Plus, playlists are fun to put together. Imagine what type of workout you are doing – intense cardio, or deep yoga? Different songs motivate differently.

But there’s more than sneakers that talk to you, of course. Another way to get motivated is to find a workout partner. For the last 8 years I have worked out three days a week with my best friend -- and even though there has been times where it took every fiber of my being to get up at 4:30 am to meet her at the gym at 5:30, the simple fact that I know she’s going to meet me there gives me the motivation to get out there door.

What’s great about having a workout partner? Primarily, it gets you there. You won’t bail if you know someone is going to be waiting for you. Plus, you push each other further than you would if you were on your own.

The alternative is to push the snooze button, go back to sleep, and spend the rest of the day with a little nagging feeling at the back of your head, that you didn’t get your workout in (again.) Sure, maybe you accomplished a lot that day, at work, or at home. But you didn’t accomplish anything for your body.

So think about putting a fitness gadget on your Birthday wish list, and find that friend or a personal trainer who motivates you the most, and get some great tunes together. Most of all: Get movin’.

The Plan of Attack

We all have something special to plan for the future, even if its 10days or 6 months away, we to have to have a plan of attack to look good for that wedding, reunion or just a sunshiny vacation, to get in shape. Well here are some suggestions to help you get started.

If you have 10 days, here is the plan:

EAT FOOD, don’t starve. It’s not good for your metabolism to go below 1200 calorie diet. Instead choose your foods wisely. Don’t eat out stay home and prepare your meals.

Cleanse your system. Although there are a lot of different types of cleansing products out there, you must be careful of which products are good for you. Try to find one that you can still eat food while you are cleansing. Do your research. I find the best cleanse is easy as this one – one liter of bubbly water, one cup of lemon or lime juice, 1/8 to ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, ½ cup grade A maple syrup. Mix together and drink throughout the day, just one day a week. Also, make sure you eat during that day of cleanse.

Exercise, if you have been slacking in the activity department, well get back on track. Exercise is the best way to shed those lingering pounds. Even though starting exercise with in this 10 day goal won’t take of the pounds immediately, but it will get you going in the right direction.



If you have 4 to 6 weeks to your goal:

Food, aim for a 1200 to 1500 calorie diet (or as I like to say, “changing your bad food choices to good food choices”). Stick to lean meats, low sugar, fruits and green veggies, low fat dairy products, legumes and whole grains.

Journal your food and exercise intake every day. It will keep you on track and even gives you a record of what you did weeks prior.

Don’t deprive yourself of those tasty temptations. If you take away all pleasures of your favorite yummy goodness, you may find yourself resenting and then binging. Have that piece of candy or cookie or glass of wine. It’s ok, I’ll bet you will be a lot happier.

Exercise, start to change it up!!!! About this time frame your body will start to plateau and you need to change your routine. Find another class to take or try some other type of cardio machine. And as the weather starts to getting warmer and sunny, maybe try hiking or going out for a long walk. It’s always great to get out of the monotony of the gym and/or house.





If you have 4 to 6 months:



Food, mix it up. By now you have a comfortable diet plan and are well on your way to your goal. Try different healthy recipes.