Favorite daily workout?

Is there such a thing? I find there are bubbly, happy people who jump out of bed and just can’t wait to work out. Then there are those of us that work out from necessity, i.e., weight loss. I find I’m somewhere in between. I have a need to lose weight (so my doctor keeps telling me), but I also have a love/hate relationship with working out. Depends on the day and how I’m feeling. One thing is for sure, I need coffee first!

I was recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, so it’s pretty important for me to keep moving as much as I can, but also gently. No jumping or running for this girl. Most mornings, after coffee, you can find me strolling along on my treadmill for about 45 minutes…sometimes longer, sometimes shorter. I alternate between the treadmill and some low impact aerobic workouts that I find on my “On Demand Fitness” channel, and sometimes I jump on my CardioStrider. I guess I would have to say, my favorite would be low impact aerobics because you can do something different every day.

When doing low impact workouts, it’s a great idea to also add in some weights. They don’t have to be heavy. Just enough to tire your muscle after about eight reps. I try to do at least two sets of eight. Some of my favorite weight moves are bicep and tricep curls, upright rows, and deltoid lifts. I try not to do to much overhead as it hurts the discs in my neck, thereby aggravating my shoulder. I also do leg lifts on the floor, without weights. My legs are heavy enough!

Sometimes morning workouts are just not possible. Appointments and things get in the way. No, I’m not dedicated enough to get up hours earlier to work out but that is one option. My option would be to go for a walk at night with my husband and our three labs.

One of the most important things to do is to stretch a little when you first warm up and then stretch a lot when you are finished. It helps prevent injury. Never stretch to the point of pain. It’s so relaxing to finish with a good stretch.

After stretching, I find this is a good time to throw in a little meditation. What’s better than more relaxation? I just use my iPhone and pull one up on youtube. There are so many to choose from. One of my favorites is Doreen Virtue, Let Go and Let God.

Forgot to mention…always stay hydrated!

All in all a great way to start my day and hopefully yours too!