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Posts Tagged ‘motivation’

Get Over the Hump

You might find that I often talk a lot about adding variety to your fitness, trying something new and most importantly finding something you enjoy doing.  Three HUGE factors to keep you on track with your fitness routine.

Not only does your body benefit from pulling a switcheroo with your workout routine - but it also helps mentally.  After a while, doing lunge after lunge, bicep curl after bicep curl, gets a little b-o-r-i-n-g

And unfortunately in most cases, boredom leads to you finding something ‘better’ to do with your time.  (Settled on the couch with a bag of chips…)  Before you know it, you don’t even remember what a lunge is much less have the energy (or WANT) to do 50. 

 

This is where my ‘hump-day’ motivational video comes in!  Here at H3, our Outdoor Boot Camp class is a big hit.  But prepared to get your rear in gear!

This simple workout – using only your body weight – can be done anywhere.  (Lucky for us – we get sweaty down at the beach!) 

100 Push-ups, 150 Crunches, 200 Squats, 250 Jumping Jacks and 500 Meters later…

 

 

H3 BOOT CAMP

5 Rounds of:

20 Push-Ups

30 Crunches

40 Squats

50 Jumping Jacks

100 M Run/Walk

 

If boot camp really isn’t your thing…check out our Sample Schedule to see all the variety you will experience here at H3.

 

T.G.I.(H).F.

H3 Friends

Thank Goodness I (Have) Friends!  Exercise friends, that is!

Looking back at our wonderful H3 Intern, Allie’s post about the ‘Attitude of Gratitude’, I realized how thankful I am for my exercise buds.

Working in an environment where everyone’s main goal is living a healthy lifestyle, it may seem as though it’s never a struggle to keep up.  However, we are ALL human, and have the occasional bad day.  Well, I recently lost motivation of ALL things healthy due to an injury. 

Fortunately, I had a motivated exercise bud to push me back into the routine.  Without the accountability from others, I would have a hard time pulling myself out of the warmth of my bed at 6:00 a.m. for a 4 mile run. 

Whether you are going to the gym, taking a class or going for an afternoon walk, knowing you have someone counting on you – makes it a lot more likely that you will commit to exercise and follow through.

So, this weekend, call a friend and set a date — an exercise date! 

Find your H3 Friends on our Fan Page!

 

Guest Blog: Charlotte, H3 Program Intern

The Small Things Mean the Most

When you look at a fine painting and take it all in, it’s beautiful.  After a minute of staring, you may start to notice the small things in the painting that make it so breath-taking.  Well, trying to be healthy and losing weight can sometimes seem a little daunting, especially when you want a slice of chocolate cake on Girls’ Night Out.  But that’s just because you can yet see the result, the painting you are becoming.  

A friend once told me, to make it through the hard times, make a ‘small successes list’.  Every time you accomplish something on your road to a healthier lifestyle, write it down.  The next time you’re feeling blue, losing that motivation, or feel like your failing, you can pull out this list and remind yourself just how far you have come.

Here is a sample of what’s on mine:

  1. I ran for 20 minutes today.
  2. I haven’t touched ice cream in over a month (it’s a big weakness for me).
  3. I went to workout in the snow.
  4. I resisted splurging when I didn’t get a good grade.
  5. I had to go get some new summer shorts, all the old ones are too big.
  6. I can see my collar bones.
  7. I ran a 5K today.
  8. I tried a new veggie, eggplant, and I loved it.
  9. I had to get rid of some of my shirts today, they look to big.
  10. I went out to eat and didn’t splurge on calories.
  11. My friend told me I look like I’m thinner today.

I try to put as many things as I can on it.  When I’m thinking of having that ice cream or feeling that I am not doing well enough, I pull it out.  Try it for yourself, start writing down what small things have made the painting of you breath-taking.  And remember as Curt Brinkman said, “Don’t give up what you want most for what you want now”.

 

I Like to Move It, Move It

It’s a proven fact that music gets you moving!  Not only does it help you move faster, but longer too. 

A recent study showed that when listening to music, the subjects exercised 15 percent longer than when exercising in silence – shoot for 30 minutes and chances are you will go for 10 minutes more! 

Download these songs from iTunes and GET MOVING!

DANCE, DANCE Playlist 

  1. I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
  2. Just Dance – Lady Gaga
  3. SOS – Rihanna
  4. Ring the Alarm – Beyonce
  5. Right Round – Flo Rida
  6. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
  7. Crazy – Gnarls Barkley
  8. Heartbreaker – Pat Benetar
  9. Rock That Body – Black Eyed Peas
  10. Fergalicious – Fergie
  11. I Know You Want Me – Pit Bull
  12. This is How a Heart Breaks – Rob Thomas
  13. With Love – Hillary Duff
  14. Beautiful – Akon
  15. Fire Burning – Sean Kingston
  16. So What – Pink
  17. Survivor – Destiny’s Child
  18. Sweet Dream – Beyonce
  19. Use Somebody – Kings of Leon
  20. I Hate This Part – The Pussycat Dolls

 

Rain Rain Go Away

Coastal living has its ups and downs.  Looking at the upside, I am able to enjoy sunrise beach walks, weekend boat rides and fresh seafood…need I say more?  However, in the summer I can’t stand the constant RAIN!  It is really putting a damper (no pun intended) on my fitness routine.  The afternoon showers are forcing my evening runs, walks and bike rides indoors – which for the past three weeks has me skipping all together.  Something about spending 30 (monotonous) minutes on indoor cardio machines has really killed my motivation. 

So this leaves me thinking…what are some activities I can enjoy indoors and stay on track? 

I think I will try…

1. Group Fitness Class.  Classes like Spinning, Kickboxing, or Step Aerobics can burn between 350 – 400 calories!  A great way to try a new activity and build variety to your current fitness routine. 

2. An Exercise Video.  Another great way to add variety, you can choose a video ranging from Yoga/Pilates to Hip Hop Dance.  I think I’m going to try So You Think You Can Dance: Cardio Funk - a new release complete with Hip Hop, Disco, and Contemporary dance moves!  (Not only will I burn calories breaking a sweat, but I’m sure a laugh or two!)

3. Jumping Rope.  A quick interval workout can blast calories in 10 minutes or less.  Check out this routine from Sparkpeople.com.  An added plus – you can purchase for under $15!

4. EA Sports Active.  Compatible for Nintendo Wii, Active is a customizable fitness program.  (Yes – in a video game!)  Not only will this program track your progress, you can enjoy activities like dancing, in-line skating, tennis and volleyball in the comfort of your living room!  There is an Active 30 Day Challenge – motivating you to try a new exercise each day.  (Check out the Wii Fit for more of a balance/strength training program.)

5. Window Shopping (aka Mall Walking).  A less intense form of aerobic exercise, but sure to cover a lot of ground.  Wear a pedometer to track your steps and be sure to take the stairs!

6. Interval Routine.  If I must be stationed to the treadmill or elliptical, I will try to break the boredom by changing it up.  Similar to the Treading Class at H3, switching the speed, incline or resistance will keep you (and your muscles) guessing.  Warm up at a slow pace for 5 minutes, then alternate 1-2 minutes of high intensity between 1-2 minutes of recovery.  Repeat for a total of 20 minutes.  Make sure to cool down and stretch!

 

Move Your Bum[mer] This Summer!

Family Summer Fun

Summertime is the perfect time to get a jumpstart on (or continue living) a healthy lifestyle. The weather is warm, the pool is open, people are outside, and the sun is shining. It’s the perfect season to get active outdoors, play with your kids/pets, eat delicious and nutritious food, and try new activities! Here are just a few suggestions. I challenge you to check off 3!

-       Bike to the park, around town, to the grocery store, to work, etc.

-       Go rollerblading

-       Play a round of golf

-       Hand wash your car

-       Do some gardening

Washing the Car

-       Mow the lawn

-       Go on a hike

-       Play catch

-       Go shopping (leave your wallet at home if you don’t want to spend $$)

-       Make a bookshelf

-       Do an outdoor workout with your family, group of friends or neighborhood (Check back next week for a no-equipment-needed workout routine with photos!).

-       Teach your kids some outdoor games (i.e. hopscotch, freeze tag, red light green light)

-       Pack a picnic lunch instead of going out to eat

What are some ideas that you have come up with for staying active outdoors? Share it with us by making a comment!

 

Hello Everyone!

Shipyard Photos 065

Hello all past, present and future H3 Guests! My name is Allie and I am interning here at Hilton Head Health this summer. You can read more about me in the “About Us” section. Whether you came last week or three years ago or you are hoping to come in the near future, this blog will give you the information to help you stay on track and continue living your healthy lifestyle.

 

What will be on here?

Posts will feature workouts to try, current events/research finds, tips, guides (i.e. dining out, grocery shopping), recipes, success stories, H3 updates, tutorials, videos and much more—all with a personal touch. However, I want to post what you all want to read! Feel free to suggest content that you would like to see on this blog by making a comment on a post or by emailing me at getinspired@hhhealth.com.

Be sure to check back daily, weekly, or whenever you need a nudge in the healthy direction. Use our blog as part of your morning routine—that way you start your day with the right mindset. Sometimes all we need is a good start to the day.

So please follow me on this journey—to spreading health and happiness!

Take care,

Allie