Workout On the Cheap!
There’s a myth that, in order for exercise to truly be beneficial, you have to workout strenuously every single day. The thing is, it’s not true. There are plenty of low-tech alternatives that help you lose weight and stay healthy naturally. Try the following:
- Jump rope! Far from being just a kids’ game, jumping rope offers a full-body workout, working all of the muscle groups.
- Take your dog for a walk. Don’t have one? Walk your neighbor’s! In one study, people who walked their dog 20 minutes a day, five days a week lost an average of 14 pounds in a year! Something about that companionship that sure beats walking on a treadmill!
- Get enough sleep. Recent research found that sleep deprivation increases cravings and decreases the amount of leptin in your body – a hormone that helps burn more energy . So don’t skimp on sleep if you want to slim down!
- Listen to music while you exercise. It makes the exercise routine less…routine…and keeps you going. The music takes your mind off how hard you are working, and you tend to stick with the workout longer. The result: More calories burned!
- Invest in a gym ball. This provides a fun way to improve flexibility, balance, strength and tone. They also help you lose weight!
You don’t have to get fancy to exercise, and you certainly don’t have to join an expensive gym or spa to get the same benefits. Get a good night’s sleep, leash up your dog, turn up the volume on your iPod, and get walking!
