Get Fit At Home!

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Times are tough.

We are all trimming our budgets and trying to save money. Maybe you gave up your weekly trip to the spa or started making meals at home instead of dinners out 3 times a week.

There is one thing I know many of you gave up: Your Gym Membership

You got the membership with every intention of going 4 times a week. You have been paying $75 a month and you haven't been in almost a year. Instead of wasting your money, you cancel your membership and tell yourself you will find ways to stay active at home. Sound familiar?

So you have the will to workout at home but that no idea where to begin.

Fitness DVD's are a great option to get you started and help you out with proper technique. There are some things you need to keep in mind when choosing the right video for you:

First, you need to figure out which kind of exercise(s) you are interested in (pilates, yoga, martial arts, weight training etc). It is a good idea to start with 1 or 2 types of exercise. I think this makes it less overwhelming and you are more likely to stick with it.

Second, you need to assess your fitness level. Are you just starting out or are you an exercise junkie? Many videos are tailored to match your experience.

Next, take inventory of your equipment. Do you have any hand weights or a stability ball? If not, how much would you be willing to spend to invest in some? Having some basic pieces is a great idea for the home exerciser. Some DVD kits even include the equipment you will need to do their program.

Lastly, check out your space. Make sure you are in a open area so you can perform the exercises safely and effectively. Many workouts only require the space of a mat but if you are going to move, make sure you have enough room to do so.

Here are some DVD's and exercise ideas to get you started (many more titles are available at Indigo or Amazon):

Kathy Smith's Fat Burning Pilates - I am a big fan of Kathy's workouts. I like this one because it is 3 workouts in one. Her instruction is clear and easy to follow. A great workout for beginners and intermediate exercises.

Power Yoga with Rodney Yee -This is a challenging Ashtanga yoga workout. Rodney's instruction keeps you at ease as you flow through the movements. Suitable for beginners.

Balance Ball For Weigh Loss with Suzanne Deason - A great way to get started on the ball. Suzanne takes you through a series of exercises to tone the entire body. Great for all fitness levels.

Stay Healthy,
Tracy

5 Healthy Snacks

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I love to eat. There, I said it. I love food.

I eat often, about every 3 hours or so and I must admit that it is often tempting to grab a bag of chips or a granola bar.

However, I know if I reach for those snacks I am going to crash and burn. Their high sugar content will temporarily satisfy me but I know an afternoon of fatigue is soon to follow.

A better idea: A snack that has a combination of carbohydrates, fats and protein.

This type of snack will keep your energy up until your next meal. So when it is 2 hours until dinner and your tummy is growling, reach for these before you eat that last Easter Bunny :)

All snacks adapted from recipes at Truestar Health

1. Yogurt Parfait - 1/2 cup of yogurt, 1/4 cup of blueberries, 1 tbsp of chopped almonds.
2. Fruit and Cheese - 3/4 cup of strawberries, 3 oz. of nonfat cheddar cheese.
3. Banana Smoothie - 1/2 of a banana, 6 oz. of water, a scoop of protein powder, 1 tsp of flaxseed oil.
4. Cottage Cheese & Fruit - 1/2 cup of 2% cottage cheese, 1/2 cup pineapple slices, 10 almonds
   
5. BBQ Soynuts - 28 g. serving
   

Stay Healthy,
Tracy