“I've never been married, though I was engaged once back in college ...but that ended back in 2001. I'll be completing my masters Dec. 2008. While I'd like to complete my ten years where I'm working at now (after I graduate it'll only be 2.5 years left)... for the right guy, I'd be willing to move before then.”
“I like to think of myself as mellow and friendly. I have solid priorities but respect people of all backgrounds. I've always been proud of the fact that I count among my friends conservatives, liberals, republicans, democrats. The variety can be a little challenging but also extremely rewearding. I feel very blessed!”
“A curious introvert. I've been around the world on mission trips and for work, but most weekends I prefer to sit home with my cats, a cup of coffee and a good book. I've worked as an Interpreter for the deaf in public schools, a robotics programmer, and a janitor. I absolutely hated English in school but now I write (one book of poetry finished and one fantasy novel looking for a publisher/agent.) I'm not good at creating art but I do appreciate it.”
It’s no secret that you will look and feel better when you are moving that body and exercising. Your skin has a healthier glow, you feel more confident and you are less stressed when engaging in physical activity.
The problem...not all of us love the idea of heading to the gym and being in a room full of sweaty new pals or walking nowhere on a treadmill! We forget that “working out” can mean so many different things – and not necessarily doing 100 crunches, leg lifts or three sets of bicep curls.
Here are four fantastic forms of exercise that will energize you and put a smile on your face!
1. Dance the NightAway
Have you ever seen “Dancing with the Stars?” The professional dancers on the reality show have impressive, strong physiques - but so do the celebrity contestants after they’ve spent just a few weeks rehearsing the rumba! Whether you visit a local salsa club, sign up for dance classes or just rock out in your living room, dancing is one of the best ways to burn calories, tone those muscles and feel incredible. There are also many types of dance out there -- ballroom, jazz, hip-hop -- there really is something for everyone.
2. Take the Long Way Home
Could you walk to work? Could you walk to lunch? How about just taking the stairs? Think about all of the needless driving you are doing, and when you can – walk instead. You only need about 30 minutes each day to improve your fitness, so think about it, and incorporate into your daily routine when possible. The other plus? You will be joining millions who are going green, aiding the environment and saving money on gasoline!
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3. Nature Calls
It certainly doesn’t feel like exercise when you are out enjoying a gorgeous day, walking through the park or exploring some new hiking trails. Make it a social excursion by bringing your loved one or some friends, and spend the day surrounded by nature. It can be both exhilarating and addicting - in a good way! Most fat-burning activity actually occurs during lower impact exercise like walking or hiking, so get out there and enjoy the outside world.
4. Sporty Spice
What’s your favorite sport? What activities did you love participating in as a kid? Whether it's bowling, badminton, basketball, swimming or skating - tapping into the physical activities you loved once upon a time, when you had free time, is an enjoyable and exciting way to shape up. Did you know that even fishing can burn up to 400 calories per hour? You do not need to run a marathon to improve your fitness.
The bottom line: Getting off of the couch and moving those limbs can greatly improve your fitness level, reduce stress and increase overall happiness. Who doesn’t want that?
What is your favorite form of exercise? How do you stay in shape?
I think I have finally found an exercise I enjoy. Dancing. Dancing at home with my ipod where no one can see me. Its fun and now I hurt all over so I know its working!
Eferrars, I actually agree with you on that! Everyone out there gives us this image that we have to look like, and this prototype of the perfect happy person is impossible to catch up to! If everyone would stop telling people how to feel better about themselves, people would be more likely to do so without prompting. I'm honestly not a slim girl myself, but it's not a problem until I start reading articles like this, telling me how to look better and somehow feel better just cuz I'm two inches thinner. I'm happy as I am... I can still do the things I want to do, and still enjoy the things I like. Heck, even if I die younger than I otherwise would have, because of my indulging in the things I like, then at least I've enjoyed the life I was given.
To the men and ladies out there reading this article and feeling suddenly inspired that you'll find a happier You by following these ideas and burning a few calories and eventually losing ten to twenty pounds... If you are unhappy with your body, make sure it's not because some model out there has a better body. If you need to be in better shape to enjoy the things you love, then by all means get in better shape! But don't let society and commercialism tell you what you need to look like in order to be happy.
“You want to feel better about yourself -- but the thought of jumping on the treadmill makes you cringe. What can you do?”
Did I miss a step in the logic here? What does jumping on a treadmill have to do with feeling “better about myself”? Sure I understand feeling better physically by getting active, but the words are “better ABOUT yourself”. Curious…
Right off the hop, the subtle underlying message here is that you are inadequate and need to do something about it.
Next we’re being asked to compare ourselves to people on a T.V. show with “impressive, strong physiques.” Subtle, subliminal.
Now we’re hitting it home… “Most fat-burning activity actually occurs…” FAT! That’s the culprit. It’s making you unattractive and inadequate! (shhh not so loud).
“…even fishing can burn up to 400 calories per hour”. Calories! Oh we must hate those too! FAT and Calories are the names of our enemies!
FAT
CALORIES
EXERCISE
FEELING GOOD
These aren’t just words being given to us as a public service for our own good. These little words are worth billions of dollars to hundreds (thousands?) of companies. These little messages are being peppered in here with such careful placement and dressed up with a rosy disposition. It’s the subliminal message that’s being packaged and sold to us, but for so many are just not attainable, and never will be. FEELING GOOD… that’s what they’re selling but never actually giving to us… and that’s what keeps the money keeps flowing in.
Here’s suggestion. Live healthy. Eat what you think is good for you. Do it all for yourself AND NOT A gosh darn PERSON OTHER. Love yourself NOW. Don’t wait for your scale to tell you it’s OK. Don’t wait for your friends or your coworkers to tell you it’s OK. Just do it, now, on your own terms.
“By eHarmony Staff for our Sponsor, Jazzercise”
Thanks muchly Mr. or Mrs. Corporate sponsor, but we don’t need you to feel good about ourselves.
Oh, and for those who will inevitably be tempted to take a cheap shot at this… sorry but I’m not fat, nor unattractive, nor personally bitter in any way. I’m just aware.
Oh, and just for the fun of it :)
"not all of us love the idea of heading to the gym and being in a room full of sweaty new pal" - Umm ... I thought they were "glowing" *shrug*
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