Spot Toning

There aren’t many people who consider exercising their favorite pastime. Heck, its not a stretch to say that some people downright hate exercising. Unfortunately exercising is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and it is extremely difficult to lose weight and tone your body without it. But even if you truly hate exercising there are certain tips that will help you, if not learn to love exercising, at least learn to tolerate it.

First, and most obviously, try to find an exercise you like to do. Of course you should try to choose a range of exercises so your entire body gets a workout, but if you absolutely hate doing one kind of exercise you should look for another to take its place. So despite what others say you don’t have to do lunges to work out your lower body. Nor do you have to do crunches to strengthen your core muscles. You don’t even have to run - you can simply replace it with cycling or swimming for example. Work out the exercises you like to do, and straight away your workout will seem more enjoyable.

Another option (which is really a form of stealth exercising) is to find other activities you like to do and make them work for your body. For example, if you enjoy being outside in winter, why not try ice skating or sledding with friends, or build a large snowman in the backyard or local park? If you are interested in gardening, try mowing your yard by hand or raking leaves more often than you really have to. No matter what you like to do, you can find always find a way to get some exercise. Even people who enjoy playing computer games are catered for, thanks to the introduction of the Wii and games like Dance Dance Revolution.

While it’s not always practical, if you can find someone to exercise with that can be a huge help. By working out with a friend you can help each other stay motivated. Not only can you set each other challenges and goals to reach (a bit of healthy competition never hurt anyone), but exercising with a partner also allows you to try other fun activities like tennis or squash. If you don’t know someone who is interested in exercising with you, trainers can also provide motivation through encouragement and goal setting (and as an added bonus they can show you new and fun exercises to help you avoid getting bored or feeling overwhelmed at the gym).

Finally, try taking some classes (especially classes for something you’ve never tried before, and something you wouldn’t normally try). Being part of a class is a great way to meet new people, stay motivated, learn new exercises, and above all have fun. Check out whats available at your local community center, or if you’re a member of a gym see if they offer any low-cost or free exercise classes as part of your membership.

It can be hard to stay motivated when you hate exercising, but set goals and no matter what don’t quit. A change in diet alone won’t help you lose weight - you need to exercise as well if you really want to get rid of those extra pounds. Try these tips on making exercise fun, and it won’t seem like a chore any more.

Walking is one of the easiest ways you can tone your body. We all walk every day, and unlike a lot of exercises you don’t need any special space or equipment to do it. But there are a few things you can do to get the most benefit out of your walking.

1. Try to walk as fast as you comfortably can. If it takes you 12-15 minutes to cover a mile, you will burn twice as many calories conmpared to taking 20 minutes to walk the mile. Of course you may not be able to walk this fast at the begininng. But as you get fitter, try mixing up the speed you walk (so you walk fast for a short time, then at your normal pace for a short time). Gradually increase the length of time you walk at the fast pace, and soon you’ll be covering most of your walk at the faster pace. If you’re keen, keep track of your heart rate to ensure that you’re working hard enough to get all the aerobic benefits walking has to offer.

2. Mix up your walking program by taking a hike. The walk over hilly terrain helps you burn extra calories (not to mention helps shape your butt and thighs). As an added bonus you have the relaxation of being a part of nature, which is a lot more interesting and enjoyable than traversing through a cement jungle full of suits and skirts!

3. The great thing about walking is you can do it whenever you list - so make sure you do! Leave your car at home and hoof it to the train station (or park several blocks away). Take a walk during your lunch break - if you buy your lunch, check out the shops several blocks. Instead of using a lift or automatic walking belt, walk normally. Surprisingly. sometimes you actually save time by walking. Several years ago, a New York City newspaper timed a walker, a bus, and a subway over some common rush-hour routes. In almost every case the walker reached his destination faster than mass transit, and in a few cases by more than 10 minutes!