Get Moving Monday...

I know for me, the winter can be a tough time to exercise, but we all know that exercising is great for our hearts, our health, our hormones, and ,of course, our weight loss efforts! Did you know that it may ward off Alzheimer's also? Click here to read article!

Here are some great tips to keep motivated during our Health Challenge and beyond!

• Ask someone to be your exercise buddy — many people agree that having someone to exercise with helps keep them going. This is very helpful....and, it makes the time go by much quicker!
• Listen to recorded books or music while you do endurance activities. My IPOD (last year's Christmas gift) has changed my life when I'm not exercising with a friend!
• Set a goal and reward yourself when you reach it. For example, treat yourself to a massage or a manicure when you've reached a exercise milestone, like walking a certain distance.
• Give yourself physical activity homework assignments for the next day or the next week. Erin and I are following a running plan to get ready for a half-marathon; Click here to create your own plan!
• Think of your exercise sessions as appointments and mark them on your calendar.
• Keep a record of what you do and the progress you make.
• Understand that although there will be times when you don't show rapid progress, you are still benefiting from your activities.
• Plan ahead for travel, bad weather, and houseguests. For example, an exercise video enables you to exercise indoors when the weather is bad. View article

And, if you need another great reason to exercise...an article I found on Prevention.com:
Is Your Scale Stuck?

Bob Greene, a certified personal trainer and exercise physiologist, has transformed the lives of millions, including Oprah Winfrey. Get a personal plan designed by Bob at thebestlife.com.
Misty Mallory from San Diego wrote in asking, "I've hit a plateau--how can I start losing again without working out longer?"

Good news: You can get better results--in the same amount of time--simply by increasing your intensity. A plateau can mean your body is fighting to hang on to those last 10 or 15 pounds as a buffer against future starvation, especially if you've cut calories. Vigorous workouts, on the other hand, signal your body to release those extra fat stores for energy. To rev up a healthy way, I recommend a 50-50 workout: Do your usual activity, such as walking, but for only half the time; then finish with a new activity like bicycling, jogging, or jumping rope. If you work out at a gym, try two cardio machines (maybe a treadmill and an elliptical). By switching exercises midworkout, you'll stay fresh, challenge new muscles, and burn more calories because you can give 100% all over again.

In addition to bumping up intensity, check your food intake--you may be eating more calories than you realize. Unconscious nibbling throughout the day--grabbing a few M&M's from your coworker's desk or taste testing while you prepare dinner--can add up. I suggest keeping a food diary (try My Health Trackers) to rein in excess calories and get the numbers on your scale moving in the right direction.

I hope these tips help you this week! Let's all get out and get moving!