Move more in 2017: Find an activity you love

Moving more is an essential part of a nutritious life…but it isn’t always easy, especially with a desk job! I mean, did you hear that sitting is the new smoking?! Today I’m sharing how you can find an activity you love to get moving more in 2017…

Hi there friends! How was your first week of 2017?! Busy? Exciting? Invigorating? Were you all amped up to achieve your goals?

Did you enter my Stasher Bag GIVEAWAY?!?! Only 24 hours left to enter!! Click here nowwww!

A fellow dietitian recently asked for a quote about why most people fall of the new year’s resolution wagon and the first thing that came to my mind is that people often bite off more than they can chew. And that is exactly why I started this 52 weeks to see your life nutritionally series. I encourage you to let go of those grandiose declarations on January 1st that disappear by January 15th! I mean, did they work anyways? So mine as well try something new….we’re talking SMALL changes!

So did you eat more veggies last week??? As a veggie lover, I even went an entire day last week without a green vegetable! ((gasp!)) I didn’t plan ahead, and I ran out! I still ate some other veggies, but I didn’t feel the same without my smoothie to start my day and some greens at lunch. Eating more veggies is something many of us need to continuously work on, which is why I am always sharing my tips on how to sneak in more veggies in my recipes and over on Instagram…come join the fun! It’s not always easy, especially when a busy schedule gets in the way! But I believe you can do it!!

While I think eating more veggies is something we can always work on, for week 2 of 52 weeks to see your life nutritionally ((welcome!)), I’m focusing on MOVEMENT. 

My number one piece of advice to move more in the new year? Find an activity you love. ((This is mine.)) I mean truly, truly love and would be sad if it was no longer in your life.

Maybe it’s walking or hiking, maybe it’s dancing, maybe it’s running. But maybe it’s slower like tai chi or yoga. Or maybe you love the burn of strength training. Whatever you do to move your body, you’ll move it more if you find an activity you love. Because exercise should be FUN. I want you to look forward to it!! Do you think that’s possible???

If I didn’t love dancing, I wouldn’t be as devoted to my dance cardio classes as I am. But if you told me I had to run as part of my fitness regimen?? NO THANK YOU! Every time I’ve thought about training for a race because it would be “cool” to run a marathon (OK, or even a half), I give up… not because I don’t think I could do it, but because I don’t enjoy it!

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And it doesn’t always come easy. You may have to trial and error a variety of different activities (or even different types of classes within the same activity!) to find something that clicks, but it’s 100% WORTH IT!!

I know that when I clicked with my 305 [dance cardio class with a live DJ], I not only felt better physically, but I developed more confidence that has helped me in my professional life. I feel empowered and leave every class with a better relationship with myself. I feel like a strong, independent woman (possibly from all the Beyonce we dance to) and I look forward to the next class…which means I’m moving more!

And moving more is not only important to help maintain a healthy weight, but it…

• Promotes longevity
• Keeps your heart strong, brain sharp and prevents cancer
• Boosts your confidence…just try it! 
• Keeps you sane. Zoning out sometimes is 100% needed and working out is a great way to do it!
• Wards off a cold
• May be a great social experience…
• Or provides time for yourself…

Here are some great activities for exercise beginners…

• Try a workout video at home. YouTube has millions of free routines, like this 10 minute jump rope video!
• Check out an at-home subscription service, like Tone It Up (although I do think this is a little challenging for beginners!)
• WALK! It’s THAT simple.
• Take a lesson. Maybe you’ve wanted to try ballroom dancing (like us, below!) or karate but have been nervous to do so in the past.

This week I challenge you to take steps ((get it??)) to find an activity you love. If you’re not a current exerciser, just get out there and WALK (if it’s not snowing like it was here over the weekend!). Or perhaps sign up for a new pilates class or spin class. If you’ve been hitting the gym but feel like it’s a chore, maybe that new boxing studio is calling your name? OR you can take those cans of beans you have in your pantry and do some bicep curls and then hold a plank and then do some squats…baby steps, people! If you want some ideas, head over to my Pinterest board!

The bottom line is that exercise needs to be FUN and enjoyable to be something that you stick with. And to move more in 2017 — c’mon, you KNOW you want to! —

find an activity you LOVE!

**As always, consult your physician before starting a new exercise routine!**

What activity are you going to try or do you already love?! See you on the dance floor…
XO

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