It’s Saturday and that means that many of you have the chance to get out from behind your desk, step out of the car pool, and schedule a little time for yourself.  If the weather is suitable where you are get some fresh air, take a walk or just stretch in the sunlight.

Take a class, go out dancing, or just play basketball in your driveway.

You can even use this time to help others.  Many towns sponsor “fun runs” for charity.  These events earn money for various organizations and they’re a great way for a non-athlete to get involved and give something back.

You’ve spoken with your doctor, got the health clearance to begin an exercise program;  now all you need to do is purchase a gym membership, hire a trainer, set up a home gym, sign up for fitness classes and buy some costly shoes and workout wear.

Not exactly.  While all of those are great ideas the thought of laying out that money can stall your workout plan.  Check out this link for some exercises you can do today in your own home.

http://fitbie.msn.com/slideshow/27-no-equipment-exercises-you-can-do-home

Of course we recommend speaking with a health professional before beginning any program.  We also recommend doing a few crunches when you can’t get to the gym.  No excuses.

“I know that my final breakthrough in weight loss came once I decided that I would break a sweat for at least twenty minutes every day.”   “The best advice I can give you about exercise is to find something you like doing and DO IT.”   Marilu Henner, The Total Health Makeover

Exercise combats fatigue, reduces stress and protects your cardiovascular health.  Of course it’s important to check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program but we urge you to take steps today to get moving and make it a part of your healthy lifestyle.  You don’t need to hire a trainer or join a gym to get started.  A bike ride or a walk around the block will do.   GET MOVING !

Stay healthy by combining two known immune boosters….exercise and social ties.

A study at Carnegie Mellon University found that among a group of people exposed to a cold virus the ones with stronger social ties were less likely to become sick.  So dress for the weather, grab a friend and take a walk, take a class, take the stairs.  Just get moving and have some fun !

If you took advantage of the Black Friday sales you might be learning about your new smart phone.  Or maybe you’ve had the phone for a while but you’re learning about the hazards of holiday indulgence and you want to stack the odds in your favor this year.

Why not put your phone to good use and check out all of the apps that are available to you, from apps that help you find healthy restaurants when you travel, to those that offer an instant workout routine at your fingertips.  Nutrition information is available and ingredient lists.

Yes our phones can make us more lazy but that doesn’t have to be the case.  Use yours to check out sales and avoid long lines so that you have time to walk,  hit the gym or play a game with your kids.

Join the conversation at marilu.com and tell us how you’re making technology work for you !!   http://www.marilu.com/becomemember.php

In Healthy Holidays Marilu talks about what happened when she finally resolved to break a sweat for ten minutes a day.  Read about Marilu’s experience making this decision on the day after Thanksgiving.  Could this mindset help you through the holiday season with your resolve intact?

“…..starting the day after Thanksgiving that year I decided to make the commitment to break a sweat every day for at least ten minutes–and that when the program finally came together for me.  Within three weeks I had finally dropped those last eight pounds that had been stubbornly clinging to my thighs, bust, and cheeks since a parish bake sale I went to in third grade.  I hadn’t been able to drop those eight little sandbags no matter how disciplined my diet had been.”

Action beats intention every time.  The 10 minute walk you DO take beats the 4 mile run you intend to take.  Get out there and do SOMETHING.  Take action today.

Everyone thinks about toning their arms somewhere around the middle of May.  It’s a last minute, panic decision for some.  But toned arms are sleek and sexy.  Stay strong all year by keeping your entire body in top shape.  Check out these workouts that will help you do just that.

http://fitbie.msn.com/workout/get-sleek-sexy-arms

We’ve all heard that a body in motion stays in motion.  Even if you aren’t doing any type of “formal” exercise, (such as taking classes, or hitting the gym) you should be in a mindset that keeps you moving every day. 

If you’re in an area where the weather is cooperating be grateful for that and grateful for the ability to get out there and move.  In fact being active in the outdoors is thought to be beneficial to not only physical health but mental and emotional as well. 

According to a study that analyzed the mental health of individuals who committed to outdoor exercise: “Closeness to nature increases our well-being—it has an immunizing effect by protecting us from future stresses and helping us concentrate and think more clearly,” she says. (Dr. Jo Barton PhD)