The Healthy Tales

Archive for the ‘exercise’ Category

For Christmas, my parents gave Mike and I a Wii.  We thought it would be a fun thing to have for us to bond since he loves video games and I can’t figure out how to use the controller.  So once I ordered our Wii for my mom I started hearing about the Wii Fit.  So you know what came next.  I ordered a Wii Fit for us and one for her since she was also getting a Wii for Christmas.  I have to say I truly love the Wii Fit as it is a fun way to workout.  I especially love seeing “Calorie Incenerator” when I finish Hula Hooping.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been too good lately with the Wii Fit.  I weigh myself once a week for Think Thin Thursday and that is about it.  Part of the reason is because I started using Jillian Michael’s 30 day shred and part of it is pure laziness.  Enter Fitness Friday.

I’ve been looking for new Wii games to play and came across the Wii Mommies.  It is a group of moms (and non-moms) using the Wii to lose weight and it can be any game not just the Wii Fit.  I am super excited and I am going to start joining in on Fitness Friday to talk about how I am using my Wii to get fit and stay in shape.  I have my afternoon mapped out since work is slow.  Leave at 12, eat lunch, hop on the Wii, then go run a mile on the treadmill.  I might give Jillian a run for her money this afternoon but I’m not too sure.  I might have to bring her to San Antonio with me instead.  So happy Friday and if you have a Wii come join in the fun with the Wii Mommies.

Going to the gym can be boring.  I know because half the time Mike wants to go to the gym I drag my feet.  I can only look at the same wall or same piece of street so many times before I get bored.  Yes, I carry an iPod and try to read magazines but it can get hard sometimes.  But there are alternatives to exercising  so that you don’t have to feel bored or trapped within the 4 walls of a gym.

Places to workout:

1. At home ->  This sounds like an obvious choice but I can tell you that many people don’t feel they can workout at home.  A pair of dumbbells, a mat, and an exercise video can really go a long way.
2. Again, at home this time though with your Wii Fit -> You need a Wii to play this game but it really is an awesome way to workout and you really can get your heart rate up as well sweat in as little as 30 minutes on the Wii.
3. Around your neighborhood -> Walking your neighborhood can really do wonders to your exercise routine.  Put Fido on a leash and take off once a day for a long walk (30-45 minutes) and watch that waist whittle away to nothing.  The fresh scents of being outside and sunlight can also do wonders to your mood.
4. Parks -> Parks are a great place to go workout and a great place to socialize or find an exercise mate.  Most parks also have their mileage marked on the trails so you will know how many miles you have walked, jogged, or even biked.
5. Zoos -> Zoos are a great place to exercise and see some of your favorite zoo friends.  Even if you are walking at a turtle’s pace something is better than nothing and your heart rate will increase.

I hope a few of these suggestions are helpful or at least get you brainstorming on how you can change up your exercise routines and get out and about and most of all have some FUN!!