Tips to Get Fit!

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Congratulations to everyone participating in our Spring Fitness Challenge: Make your Health a Homerun! The next 8-weeks will be an exciting journey to improving our fitness levels. Whether you are a beginner or a trained athlete we all need some help getting started and staying motivated. Below are some great tips to prepare yourself for starting the challenge on Monday, March 25th.

 1. Prepare. Write down when you plan to exercise just like you would an appointment. You wouldn't cancel an appointment, why would you cancel on yourself? You are just as important!

 2. Start Slowly: Do less than what you're capable of. Take a 10 or 20-minute walk if you are just returning to exercise. You may feel like it's not enough at first, but you will find it easier to do again the next day and increase slowly over time.

 3. Get the Family Involved: Run or walk while your children ride bikes. Go to a local track while the kids play on the infield. Strength train with your spouse during evening TV time. Celebrate with something special after every activity.

 4. Exercise with Friends: Four reasons: motivation, inspiration, determination, and conversation. Surround yourself with friends who think positive and live large. 

 5. Allow yourself to slow down. Feeling tired? Slow down, you set the pace. Do what feels good!

 6. Sign up for a race. It's a goal to strive for and adds a little meaning to your everyday workout.

7. Just show up. Go the gym, class or the park. Once you're there, it's hard to say no. 98% of life is just showing up.

 8. Eat. Follow a healthy eating pattern. If you restrict your calories too much, you will not have enough energy to work out and your metabolism will slow down.

 9. Be aware of your energy cycles. We all have energy peaks during our days. Try to complete your workout when you are feeling energized.

 10. Have fun. Where's your childlike spirit? When you can make workouts "playouts", you've got it made.

 Most importantly, don't give up on yourself. It's never too late to be healthy.

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