New Resolutions by Jake

Body by Jake will not gloss over the fact that it takes hard work and discipline to be physically fit. Working out can be a pain in the buttisimo, and it can be boring. We realize that the holidays are a busy time and that it is difficult to find the time to focus on fitness and healthy living, - but it is vital that you take care of yourself, and we know we can make it more enjoyable.

Body by Jake's goal has always been to encourage men, women and children to learn healthy habits and to stick with them, throughout the year. Regardless of your age or your fitness level, you'll find something valuable to use in your daily life.

Have you been making and breaking the same "get-in-great-shape" New Year's resolution for years? Instead of starting the same cycle again, this year, try a different approach.

The challenge is that there is no single guaranteed workout plan for everyone, and of course diet and nutrition play a big role, but we have some innovative ways to jump heels first into the new year. Remember, fitness is a never-ending road, but the more we take care of our bodies, the easier the ride will be.

Need help getting started?

• You don't always need fancy equipment at home to get a good workout. So no excuses. If you don't have a set of dumbbells, use water bottles or even 16-ounce cans to tone and tighten up those arms.
• Schedule your exercise like any other "appointment". When was the last time you said "Gee, I have nothing to do for the next hour, I'll exercise?" Exercise will become a habit if you "ink it in" and then just follow through.
• Try working out in the morning. It is the best time of the day to exercise. You're usually more rested in the a.m. so you'll get a better workout. You'll be energized for the rest of the day and the best reason, it gets it out of the way - done - finished.A
• Ask your friends to exercise with you. You will encourage and motivate each other. You'll have someone to talk to and you'll find the time passes more quickly.
• Get the most out of your daily duties. For a quick pick-me-up, walk a few flights of stairs at the office, take the dog on a longer walk, or park your car in the furthest spot from the market.
• Remember that participation not perfection is the goal of exercise. If you miss a workout or just can't get going one day, so what! Don't get hung up on it, just get back on track the next day.

If you have been working out for a while, but need a jump-start:

• Revive a stagnant routine and jolt your body into action, shake it up a little - or a lot. If you use the treadmill for cardiovascular endurance, try using an elliptical machine. Or if you are stuck in the same old step aerobic class, try taking a cool new class at your gym. Some of the hottest classes around are making their way mainstream. Boxing-based programs, indoor cycling, martial arts based aerobics and yoga classes may be your best defense against boredom, which is the number one reason people give up exercising.
• If you haven't been in the habit of warming up and stretching before you workout, make it a new resolution. You probably are pressed for time and can't be bothered with the extras, but it is absolutely necessary to warm up your body before any strenuous exercise. Start by marching in place for two or three minutes to get the blood flowing to your muscles. This, along with some gentle stretching will prep you for almost any activity ahead.
• Distract yourself if you find it helps pass the time. With an inexpensive tape player on your hip, you can learn a new language, listen to your favorite music, or catch up on the news. This is a super productive thirty minutes for your brain and body.
• Remind yourself how good you feel after you exercise. That great, pumped up feeling is your reward for doing something good for yourself. Remember, you only get it…if you do it! Don't Quit!

Body by Jake has become a worldwide leader in health and fitness products and information helping everyone live a healthier lifestyle. Our logo stands as a symbol of opportunity to achieve strength, better health, and improved physical fitness. Body by Jake has the ability to attract and motivate people to take an interest in fitness by presenting a healthy and fit lifestyle in a manner that is encouraging and fun, not intimidating.

Body by Jake offers "real life" solutions that anyone can attain. Visit us at www.bodybyjake.com