As we start off the new year, many of us have set goals to get fit and healthy. I have made this a challenge of my own for the year of 2011.
Like so many years past, most tend to set themselves up for failure right out of the gate; overspending on expensive equipment, and trying to cram too much in too little time. Being healthy isn’t something you do, it is who you are. It is a change made from the inside out rather than the outside in. Becoming fit is a major piece to this puzzle and can easily overwhelm you if you are not prepared. Let’s work together this year on creating an inspiring space that will allow us to reach and maintain our fitness goals and make 2011 different from years past.
How many of you drag yourself out of bed on Jan. 1 thinking that you’ll get on that treadmill and be magically transformed? I don’t know about you, but in order to exercise before work and the kids, it means waking early — hard enough to do let alone with the dread of exercising as a promise. By designing a workout space that will not only inspire you, but get you moving in the morning will only make this process easier.
Take all of the work out of working out.
Be sure to have your workout wear clean and accessible for your early morning workouts. Designate one drawer in your dresser to maintain your collection. Keep clothing that fits you correctly and makes you feel good about yourself. Working out in your old painting sweatpants is an option, but why not make yourself feel even better by wearing correct fitting exercise clothing. Take the proper precautions to choose the correct pieces of clothing for the workout that you are doing. Keep only the pieces that inspire you.
Have all of your equipment in one area, ideally the space that you use them in. Get creative in storing your gear. An entertainment tower with both shelves and a drawer keeps all the necessities at hand. If you have a designated space in your home for working out, you can keep a small TV and DVD player available to watch the morning news or recorded evening shows while using exercise equipment. The TV also allows you to watch workout videos if the space is available. You can store workout DVDs, free weights, exercise bands, hand towels, as well as an extra pair of tennis shoes. Another great option that is available locally is a cube tower. You will need two one foot by three foot shelf units, assemble and then stack with the included dowels. Place this tall tower in between two pieces of workout equipment. It will allow quick and easy access to bottles of water, music, and towels. On the lower shelves you can stack your weights and place bands in a small canvas cube.
If you are like so many that have no equipment but rather just videos and weights, choose an unapparent piece of furniture such as an ottoman that opens from the top, to store weights and mats. This will keep workout gear handy but essentially hidden.
Another household eyesore is the ever wandering exercise balls, otherwise known as yoga or fitness balls. Their round shape makes them difficult to store and hide. It is best to keep fitness equipment up off the floor so that they are not a tripping hazard. Ironcompany.com has a great product called a fitness ball holder. It is simply a chrome loop that hangs on the wall and your fitness ball just balances up out of the way.
Many people that have tried to start working out on their own have quite a selection of workout videos and DVDs. It is best to weed through your selection and only keep those that you know that you will view and will make a difference in your workout.
If you have a favorite TV trainer that motivates you, stick with their videos. Don’t keep VHS if you don’t have a VHS player anymore. These tapes just take up room and create clutter in a space that you need to keep clean and inspiring. Keep your collection current. It is crucial to continue to change your workout so that you can avoid that plateau. This will keep your muscles guessing. A local trainer stated that you have to change your workout or nothing in your body will change. The human body gets used to certain movements and builds resistance to them. By keeping a fresh new workout you can keep your body fit as well as keep you involved in the workout process.
If you are limited on space, a healthy workout is available at any one of the local gyms. Working with a personal trainer keeps your workouts designed especially for you and your body. A trainer also keeps you motivated and accountable.
No matter what your health and fitness goals for 2011 are, keep them simple and attainable. Write them down and post them where you can see them daily. Just remember, that with any new activity, it takes 3 long hard weeks of repetitive involvement before a new habit can form and be easily maintained. By being honest with yourself and making small goals rather than large unattainable goals you will ensure a great fitness plan for 2011.
Bergstrom, of Littlefork, is a professional organizer and consultant.
