Wake up earlier.
If you’re too pooped to work out at the end of your workday, try waking up a little bit earlier each day. Do a quick weightlifting circuit at home or pop in a Pilates or workout DVD. That way, regardless of what your day has in store for you, you can head into work knowing you’ve already gotten your body moving. Need more incentive? Studies show people who work out in the morning are more likely to stick to their fitness routines.
Try a new activity.
One of the main reasons women ditch scheduled exercise is boredom with the workout routine. So mix it up! Try a new sport or make it a policy to never work out on the same machine each time you hit the gym. This will ensure exercise feels fresh and that you stay excited about the time you spend working up a sweat.
Focus on form, not function.
You may not be able to fit a large workout into your day, but when you do find the time, make the most of it. Studies show that the more you focus on the muscle groups you’re using as you use them, the faster your muscles will tighten and tone. Researchers think this is because you’re focusing on your form instead of just how many repetitions you can do in each set.
Get a dog.
Researchers have come up with another way to keep people slim and active: Get a dog! Studies have shown that, if you have a pet, you’re more apt to take it for a walk as soon as you get home from work than you are to slump down on the couch for a night of television watching. Don’t have a dog? Ask your neighbor or a friend if you can borrow theirs.
Make exercising social.
If you can’t bear the thought of going to the gym alone, talk to your friends and coworkers to see if anyone would want to become your gym buddy. You’ll have more motivation to continue with your workout because someone’s with you, and you’ll get to indulge in some quality venting/bonding time with close pals.
More health tips for women
Healthy lifestyle tips for women in their 20s
Healthy lifestyle tips for women in their 30s
Healthy lifestyle tips for women in their 40s
