Tips for Exercising

We all know that exercise is important for our health and physical growth. The truth is so many of us don't do it nearly enough. Exercise can be boring, especially when doing it alone. I have listed some tips on how to make exercising, strengthening, and toning a little more exciting.

Music is one of the easiest ways to get moving. Try walking while listening to music, either using a CD player, IPod, MP3 player or radio. When you listen to music during exercise, it doesn't seem so boring and you don't realize how long you have been working out for. This makes it easier to get in your 15-20 minutes of exercise a day.

An efficient and fun form of exercise is dancing. Play some of your favorite up beat songs to dance to and add some stretching to your moves. A few popular hit songs that are great to dance to and get moving are: Super Freak, Y.M.C.A., Twist and Shout, Play that Funky Music, and Old Time Rock & Roll. It doesn't matter if you have two left feet. You can do this from the comfort of your home. Best of all, you will have so much fun dancing to your favorite hits that you won't even realize you are exercising.

Of course, if you want to do some common stretching, strengthening, or toning exercises, it is much easier to do with a buddy rather than alone. Having someone accompany you while you are exercising makes it more pleasant since you have someone to talk to. Having an exercise companion can benefit your workout as well because you can maximize your exercise by having someone to help. For instance, a good stretching exercise to do with a partner is sit on the floor facing each other. Grasp hands and have your partner lean back pulling you towards them. Hold the position while counting to 10, and then you do the same. Another great buddy exercise is having someone hold your feet while doing crunches. This makes a more effective toning exercise for your abs.

Most people think of exercising in the afternoon or late in the evening. However, a great way to begin your day is to really get your heart pumping. Set your alarm about 30 minutes earlier to give yourself some time to squeeze in some quick exercises. Begin with a few simple stretches to warm up, then move on to some short and easy cardio exercises, such as jogging in place. Make exercise part of your morning routine and begin your day with more energy and a brighter attitude.

It's important when you begin exercising to start off slowly. Know your physical limitations and don't over exert yourself. Adding a few simple exercises to your everyday routine will help you live longer, stronger, and healthier. Staying fit and healthy can help you live a happier life.

"Fitness and Exercise" http://www.health.com/health/library/mdp/0,,center1016,00.html