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8 Ways to Start Your Week Off Right

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:30:00 -0800

Though some of us like to do intense workouts on the weekends, for many people, Saturday and Sunday are a time for relaxing and getting out of your fitness routine. It's important to start off Monday on the right foot, so you're on the right track all week. Here are my suggestions for things you can do Sunday night to make sure you're back on track for a healthy Monday morning.

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Back on Track: Grill Veggies For the Week

FitSugar — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 03:30:05 -0700

Summer weather is winding down, so it's time to grill as much as you can before it gets too chilly. Since I don't always have time to light up the grill after work, I like to grill up a bunch of veggies on Sunday so I'll have extra for the week. They taste great on their own, mixed with pasta, as a pizza topping, or in a sandwich.

All you have to do is wash an array of vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, peppers, eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, and zucchini. Then slice them so they're still in big chunks since they tend to shrink once they're cooked. Place the veggies in a big bowl and mix them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then pour them into a grill basket and periodically stir them while they cook. After about 40 minutes, you'll have savory, roasted veggies that melt in your mouth. Enjoy some for dinner and store the rest in the fridge in an airtight container.

Back on Track: Order Some New Fitness DVDs

FitSugar — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 03:30:00 -0700

If you're doing the same types of workouts over and over again, the boredom can lead to skipping out on exercise entirely. So before that happens, you've got to mix up your routine a little. One way to do that is to try out some new fitness DVDs. So get online or head to the bookstore and pick up a few new videos. Need ideas? Here are some of my faves:

	Shiva Rea - Creative Core + Upper Body: This yoga video is a total body workout, but like the name suggests, it really focuses on your upper body. I was so sore the next day with all the push-up sets you do in between poses. It's a great video for beginner and advanced yogis alike.
	Zumba Total Body Transformation System: It's a low impact, fun workout, and the Latin music is infectious - it's hard to stay still with the enticing beats.

To see the rest read more.

	10 Minute Solution KnockOut Body: This kickboxing video comes with weighted gloves, and I was glistening with sweat by the end with all the kicking, jumping, punching, lunges, and sculpting moves.
	Element Pilates Weight Loss For Beginners: The perfect introduction for beginners, but veterans won't be bored, especially if you use the workout to ease into the day.
	Hoopnotica - Hoopdance Basics: Hooping is a unique workout that uses an adult-size weighted hula hoop. Not only is it an awesome cardio workout, but all the tricks you can learn also sculpt your core and upper body.

Print It: Total Body Yoga Flow

FitSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:30:47 -0700

If don't have the time or money to make it to a studio for a yoga class, you can practice yoga on your own. My Total Body Yoga Flow Sequence is a nine-posture series that will work your legs, core, and upper body. It's a great sequence to do after a run, in the morning to warm up, or in the afternoon for a pick-me-up.

To learn how to do each pose, check out this slideshow. Then download the PDF (printable version) of the sequence, print it, and either hop right on your mat or place it in your gym bag so you'll have it for later.

If you're looking for another yoga sequence to try, download this one.

Print It: Total Body Yoga Flow

FitSugar — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 03:30:00 -0700

If you're looking for another yoga sequence to try, download this one.

Which Day Is Hardest For You to Stay on Track?

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:00:28 -0700

We are midway through the week, which hopefully gives us all a clear perspective on our seven day health cycle. Early in the week, I generally find it easier to motivate to work out, pack healthy lunches, and make well-balanced dinners. Towards the end of the week, my healthy habits start to wane, and by the weekend I can easily steer well off track with social engagements and fixing up my house (painting, pizza, and beer go together perfectly). What about you?

Which day do you find is hardest for you to stay on track?

Back on Track: Big Bowl of Fruit Salad

FitSugar — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 03:04:40 -0700

If you 're struggling with getting more fruit in your daily diet, here's a way to make it happen. Like with everything, a little prep goes a long way. So this weekend, make a huge bowl of fruit salad for the week. Cut up all your faves like melon, strawberries, nectarines, and pineapple. Add fresh blueberries, grapes, cherries, and strawberries. It only takes about 20 minutes to do it all at once, which is much easier than taking fruit out to cut up every day. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge and it's a quick and convenient snack you can enjoy all week long.

Back on Track: Plan Your Fitness Schedule For the Week

FitSugar — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:30:00 -0700

It's easy to make the excuse that you just don't have time to work out, so make it a priority before anything else comes up. This Sunday night, take some time to go over your schedule for the upcoming week and plan some exercise time. Take out your daily planner, or you can print out this free downloadable fitness journal, and write down the days you're going to the gym or to your yoga class. Jot down what afternoons you're planning to walk with your girlfriend at lunch, or when you're going to do a Piloxing DVD in your living room. If you write it down, you're more likely to stick to it and won't let an appointment, errand, or meeting get in the way.

Back on Track: Wash Your Workout Clothes For the Week

FitSugar — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 03:30:00 -0700

Since I work out at least four times a week, I go through a lot of outfits. So by the weekend, I've got a big pile of stinky, sweaty clothes. If this sounds familiar, take the time today to wash all your socks, sports bras, shorts, tops, bathing suits, and towels. You'll feel motivated to exercise come Monday morning when you have fresh clean clothes to slip into, and you won't be able to use the excuse that all your sports bras are in the hamper.

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Back on Track: Cut Veggies For the Week

FitSugar — Sun, 31 May 2009 11:14:25 -0700

One way to ensure you get your five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables every day is to pack precut veggies as a healthy snack or accompaniment to your lunches at work. To save yourself some trouble, wash and chop a large quantity of vegetables on Sunday night, then store them in the fridge to dole out each day.

Though some vegetables, like cucumber, may not keep for a whole week, many other chopped vegetables will stay fresh for days. I like to mix carrot sticks with celery spears and sliced red bell pepper. You can also wash a few sugar snap peas and cherry tomatoes on Sunday night and store those too; they don't even need chopping! Just 15 or 20 minutes of work, and you've got portable salads for the week.

Do you pack fresh veggies for work? If so, what are your favorites?

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