Spring is here, a perfect time to freshen up our fitness routines. The notion of "spring cleaning" also offers the opportunity to cleanse our bodies and recommit to our fitness goals. Spring has also brought attention to some new exercise research. A new study published in the March 2010 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association shows women need 60 minutes of moderate exercise a day to prevent weight gain as they age if they consume a normal diet. The study looked at 34,079 healthy U.S. women who consumed a usual diet from 1992 to 2007. The women were age 45 or older; each was given a questionnaire about the amount of exercise or activity they engaged in per week at the start of the study and then at three-year intervals. The average weight gain was 5.7 pounds, but the women who were normal weight maintained their weight if they exercised for 60 minutes a day. Women who exercised less generally gained weight.  

Seven hours per week of exercise may seem like a tremendous amount of time to set aside for physical activity, but average Americans watch three hours of television per day. Adding entertainment to your workouts is a great way to stay motivated and get the recommended 60 minutes per day. 

Combine entertainment with exercise:

• Workout while you watch your favorite television show. If you have any home fitness equipment place it in front of the television (if it’s in your closet or under your bed, place it where you can use it!). Many of my clients tell me they watch fitness shows like The Biggest Loser and Celebrity FitClub to inspire them to keep going during their workouts.
• Get outside and walk, hike, run or bikes while you listen to your favorite music or (my personal favorite) download podcasts on iTunes. There are thousands of free interesting, entertaining and inspirational podcasts to choose from. There are many excellent health and fitness podcasts so you can listen to fit tips while you get your 60 minutes of exercise at the same time. 
• Get a workout buddy, someone who enjoys similar sports or fitness activities. Having someone to be accountable can be helpful on days that you aren’t feeling motivated. 


Keep fit and have fun while you do it! This Spring, cleanse your body and recommit to your fitness goals, knowing that the time you are investing now pays dividends this season and into the future!
 

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