Get Active: Go to The Gym or Get Outside

Gym rats. Everyone knows at least one and some of us know more than we'd like. It's that guy at the copier boasting about his .2% body fat; or the women in line at the cafeteria ordering brown rice and vegetables. It seems to be that if you have the motivation, time, and energy to go to the gym three hours a day or if you possess the willpower to eat nothing but veggies and rice for the rest of your life you too can be fit. But is this really the case? Do you really have to work that hard just to be healthy? The truth is that you don't.

Now it's important for me to mention that in order to get maximum results you do need super dedication and drive to succeed. But the bottom line is that a 10% weight loss is enough to make even the most out of shape person significantly healthier. So what am I suggesting? Just get out there and MOVE! Even if you only spend 30-45 minutes a day working out you're still doing a lot for your physical and mental health. You can join a gym, find a trail, or get some friends together for a friendly game of baseball, tennis, or Frisbee at the park. Anything will do.

If you have access to a free gym at your apartment or condo than take advantage of it! Otherwise try joining a monthly club. I know that joining a gym can be scary. There are a lot of them and it can get confusing so ask around. Ask your friends what gym they go to and ask why or why they would recommend it. Most gyms have plans that start from as low as $0.70 cents a day or $19 a month and many offer day passes so you can try it out before you commit. Many of my friends complain they don't want to make the commitment to a gym but that's the wrong way of thinking about it. Think of this as a commitment to yourself. I pay $31 a month to keep myself in shape and because that money comes out of my account each month I'm more motivated to get off the couch and go. Keep in mind your schedule and make sure their hours are convenient for you. My gym is 24hours and I love that I can workout late on the weekend.

Don't really like the idea of a big membership gym? Find a local park with a trail or even a nice neighborhood where you can jog. You may need to start out walking but you can work your way up to a slow jog. Don't be afraid to alternate between jogging and running and remember to stretch afterwards. As the weeks go by you'll get faster and be able to run for longer periods of time. As you jog you'll be increasing your heart rate, which helps to increase your metabolism. The benefits to running are staggering and it's the perfect way to tone your entire body and all you need is a good pair of running shoes.

If running seems too lonely and the gym seems too hectic, you might want to try getting a group of friends to the park after work. Organize a quick game of basketball, baseball, volleyball or whatever else you can think of. It only takes two people to play tennis or volleyball. If you like rollerblading or biking around town, then do that.

If you haven't realized it yet I just want you to get outside and get active. Exercise encourages your body to create endorphins and endorphins make you happy so what have you got to lose. After about three weeks of activity you'll get used to it and wonder how you ever survived on little to no exercise.