Get More Out of the Game

Many of us like to watch our favorite teams while relaxing on the couch, maybe even enjoying some finger foods and sodas, but that’s not exactly putting your time to the best use.

Use those hours to burn some extra calories, and get your sports fix, too.

Here are four ways to shape up while watching your team.

1) Cheer—with enthusiasm! That’s right, cheer like you mean it. If you’re going to do it, own it. Jump up and down, use your “shaker” with vigor, and throw your arms around!
2) Stand up. Watch the game on your feet, walking or running on a treadmill, or use an abs ball.
3) Drop and do 20. When the other team scores, do 20 pushups (or as many as you’re comfortable with).
4) Stretch. Instead of lounging in the recliner, sit on the floor and stretch. Not only does stretching burn calories, but it’s also important for overall fitness.

Any of these will get you off the couch, moving and burning calories. Plus, you’ll help root your team to victory (hopefully)! Now that’s team spirit.

Let us know what creative ideas you have!

Stuck in a Workout Rut? Mix It Up!

Has your workout routine become too “routine”? Mine sure had! Every weekend I was running laps at a nearby high school track, like a hamster on a wheel, plodding along in terms of enthusiasm and results. A 45-minute workout seemed to take an eternity. Then I revitalized my regimen simply by using a little creativity. 

I realized I could turn any track, park, or outdoor area into an outdoor gym—a venue offering endless ways to work out. And there are no membership fees or waiting to use equipment!

With this outlook, it was easy for me to ramp up my routine. By keeping the exercise segments brief and dynamic, my workouts never bog down into monotony; they stay fresh and challenging!

Here’s one example of how to break up a 45-minute workout into a fast-moving, calorie-blasting, stress-busting session:

1.    Jog a couple laps to warm up.
2.    Do incline push-ups using a railing or a fence.
3.    Run up bleacher stairs or any inclined area.
4.    Crunch out sit-ups on the grass.
5.    Do jumping-jacks, squats, or lunges.
6.    Alternate running backwards and sideways.
7.    Do 100-yard sprints.
8.    Bring a ball to dribble, kick, and juggle, soccer style.
9.    Cool down with stretching.

Please share the things you do to keep your workouts moving along! 

PS: Stay tuned for a follow-up post about the physical benefits of mixing up your routine.