2009 has arrived and I'm sure everyone welcomed the New Year with the most festive cheer! I'm pretty sure also that one of your New Year's resolutions was to shed some pounds accumulated from the recent celebrations and from the past unattained resolution. Well, whether we like to admit it or not, our common worry is the thought that, can we really keep this resolution up?
First off, I know it's not easy. The secret is to make a concrete plan on the things we want to achieve this year. For example - where do you want to go this year? Or, what kind of investment you want to get? Setting up a goal sounds more achievable rather than putting it as just another resolution. Say, my goal is to loose 10 pounds this year... question is how will I do that?
1. Gym, Gym and Gym - I'm sure many of us have gym membership. But not all of us have strong motivation to keep things going. I am, for one, the good example. There are times that I just don't feel like going. To keep myself motivated, I run to sporting shop to buy new accessories or gym suits. I also read fitness magazines because when I learn new method, my reaction is to try it. It's also helpful to take a good hike or walk because it will help your body build a new speed and resistance from your fitness routine hiatus. Experts suggest that people who want to stay fit should exercise twice a week for 45 minutes to and hour each time and for those people who want fitter body should work out three to four times a week.
2. Stretch, Bend and Breath - If you hate running in the treadmill and lifting weights, this program is for you. I'm talking about Yoga and Pilates. Common benefits are well toned body, sound sleep at night, flexibility and the build up of core strength. Here in Hong Kong, people are always busy and the number one suggested exercise to loosen their tight neck and lower back muscle from whole day office work is to do yoga. Expert suggests practicing Yoga at least 3 times a week and 2 times a week for Pilates will give your body and soul great rewards.
3. Move It and Groove It - The most enjoyable way to fitness - Dancing. One will achieve the body they desire without really realizing that they are working out. Talking about the younger years, this has been my way of keeping my self very fit. I didn't need to go to gym anymore and my hubby was so crazy about it :) I am telling you, I can groove with you all night long. Going back, dancing is very ideal for people who hates running in the treadmill but like to keep their body moving. Examples are Ballroom Dancing, Jazz and Hip-hop Dance, Pole and Belly Dancing. What I love to try one of these days is the Pole Dancing – imagine you’re exercising in stilettos...hahaha, fabulous! This fitness program (Dancing) also is highly sociable - means you can easily make friends. You get to learn new skills too :) Strut that bootie, baby!
4. Play It - If you tell me that you can't do it anymore because you're getting old, I will not buy it! Only cow gets old. Be open for opportunity to learn new sports and hobbies. I've been very active during my high school and college years - played basketball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, bowling and I am still playing them until now. I am hoping hubby and I could go back to mountain-biking around Shatin again. If you love swimming, that will definitely keep those flab away. There are various organizations here in Hong Kong staging series of Marathon Race. When weather gets better, I'm going to check it out because aside from it is a fun thing to do, it will give me opportunity to impart in environmental awareness program.
5. Extreme Fit - This is for people who want to release pent-up tension and feeling like their style of keeping fit is of extremity...hehehe. I'm talking about joining in Martial-Arts classes. Well, the benefits are more appealing - not only you will stay very fit and healthy; you will also learn self-defense skills. I've once tried kicking and punching some bags until I realized that's not for me. Experts consider Martial-Arts a gift to people who want to live a very healthy life. Well, look at those Kung Fu practitioners... they always lived strong and long :)
5. Desperate Acts - This is the measure I'm not going to recommend to you all. But since we are in the era of nip/tuck, might as well include it for your awareness. This is for people who need fast results. Some people take slimming pills, some go liposuctions, some go for gastric bypass... whatever their choices are – I’m against it.
To achieve our objective to keep ourselves fit requires great discipline - there should always be a balance in doing our daily habits and the food we eat. Most importantly, always go for natural ways in loosing weight and toning your body to your desired shape.
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