Fitness basics
Learning Center
Is exercise a chore? No more!
You're more likely to stick with an exercise program if you're having fun. If you're not enjoying your workouts, try something different. Join a volleyball or softball league. Take a ballroom dancing class. Trade your running shoes for a swimsuit. Remember, exercise doesn't have to be drudgery.
Exercising regularly? Track your progress!
If you're working out regularly, good for you. Keep it up! It may help to keep an exercise diary. Record what you did during each exercise session, how long you exercised and how you felt afterward. Keeping track of your efforts can be a good reminder that you're making steady progress toward your fitness goals.
Did you exercise today? Reward yourself!
After you exercise, take a few minutes to savor the good feelings that exercise creates. Reflect on what you've just accomplished. This type of internal reward can help you make a long-term commitment to regular exercise. External rewards can help, too. When you reach a longer range goal, treat yourself to a new pair of walking shoes or new tunes to enjoy while you exercise.
Miss a workout? Don't give up!
If you're too busy to work out or simply don't feel up to exercise, take a day or two off. Be gentle with yourself if you need a break. After all, it's OK to be flexible. The important thing is to get back on track as soon as you can.
Don't have an exercise budget? Go cheap!
Is a gym membership or home exercise equipment too pricey? Consider cheaper options for getting in shape. You can base a fitness program around brisk daily walks for aerobic exercise and pushups or squats for strength training. Or consider picking up some inexpensive hand-held weights or resistance bands. Check the local recreation department to see if they offer discounted fitness classes.
Stop your next migraine before it starts
Medication is a proven way to treat and prevent migraines, but medication is only part of the story. Healthy habits can sometimes stop migraine pain before it starts: 1. Establish regular sleep hours. Take time to unwind at the end of the day. If you can't fall asleep, read or do another quiet activity until you become drowsy. 2. Eat at about the same time every day. Avoid foods that seem to trigger migraines. 3. Exercise regularly. 4. Keep stress under control.
Take headache relief into your own hands
Nearly everyone experiences occasional tension headaches. But frequent tension headaches can interfere with your daily life. Aside from medication, do you wonder what you can do to stop the pain? The answer may be as simple as taking good care of yourself: 1. Eat healthy foods. 2. Exercise regularly. 3. Get enough sleep. 4. Cut back on caffeine. 5. Reduce stress. 6. Massage tense muscles. 7. Take a break when you feel overwhelmed.
Fitness tip: Include your friends
Exercise doesn't have to be drudgery. And you don't need to go it alone. Sign up for a group exercise class or join a softball, soccer or volleyball team. Work out with a friend at a health club or gym. Start a walking group with friends and neighbors.
Fitness barriers: Bust 'em
Sticking to a regular exercise schedule isn't easy. But you can do it. No time? Break exercise into short chunks, or count daily activities, such as walking the stairs, as part of your fitness program. Worried about getting injured? Take it slowly. Start by walking. Too expensive? Work out at home rather than at a health club. Discouraged? Recall your past successes. Bored? Work out with friends or family.
Weight loss: Unhook yourself from food
Do thoughts and feelings about food stand in your way of learning healthy-eating habits? Try these five steps: 1. Know your habits. For a few weeks, jot down what, when and why you eat. See if any patterns emerge. 2. Take away temptation. Don't keep comfort foods in your home if they're hard for you to resist. 3. Enjoy an occasional treat to help curb cravings. 4. Don't give up on yourself. An occasional setback is to be expected. Get right back on the bandwagon.