Love, Life, Happiness: Being Fit & Healthy, Part 2...

It is said that there is nothing that the body can't cure through diet and exercise. 

Diet is absolutely crucial to a healthy body and mind, as discussed in Part One of this segment. However, diet is only half the battle and without exercise you won't get results. 

A few things to keep in mind...

Choosing physical activity that you enjoy is important if you want to stay motivated. And it definitely doesn't mean you are restricted to the gym. Be adventurous and don't be afraid to try new things! Maybe Yoga interests you? Or perhaps something like mountain biking? How about a sport? The options are endless and feel free to change it up as often as you like. 

Now I don't want to hear excuses about not having time. Make time! Re-arrange your schedule if you have to but quit making yourself pitiful excuses (yeah, you know they're excuses as well as I do). Remember, a happy body is a happy mind. ^_^ 

The benefits of exercise are endless! Physical activity stimulates the brain, leaving you feeling happy and de-stressed! It enhances your mood, and fights depression when done regularly. It fights disease (it can reduce the risk of Breast Cancer by up to 60%!!). Exercise will also help you lose weight, boost your energy levels (see? who needs caffeine? ~_^), helps you sleep better, alleviates menstrual cramps, improves appetite for healthy foods, and even makes you poop better! See, it rocks!! Now do it!! ~_^

It is best to workout in the morning if you can, as it helps to boost the brain and body at the start of your day. This means you're less likely to eat crap after a good workout, and you're less likely to make up excuses not to work out later in the day. However fitting in physical activity where you can is obviously better than no exercise at all.

My health routine...

I've fallen in love with exercising (and you will too!!)! It took me a long time to get off my sorry ass though and actually commit to it. I used to be a miserable, inactive slob and never had the motivation. Finally, I forced myself into a routine and haven't looked back since. Now I'd have to actually make the effort NOT to workout! That's how much it's become a natural part of my life. Oh and my depression kicked the final boot thereafter as well. Who knew? 

I personally dislike gyms, but that's just me. One of my best investments was into an Elliptical machine I could use from home. No more getting to and from the gym. Just wake up, stretch, and workout from the comfort of my own home. I love the elliptical because its low impact, meaning less stress on my body, as opposed to running on a treadmill. I do love to run, but Edmonton's weather sucks for 60% of the year, making that difficult. So that's my cardio. I also do a good stretch everyone morning (whether I workout or not) before and after exercise. To tone up, I use the "Skinny Bitch" fitness DVDs. Yes, I'm clearly a fan of theirs haha, but they work!! I've managed to get rid of areas that I used to be self-conscious about because of those DVDs! And they'll kick your butt! No kidding! ~_^

I typically exercise every single day for at least 30 minutes (not including stretching). The Elliptical takes up at least five days a week. The DVDs alternate every two days or so either by themselves or before my cardio. I'll randomly do push-ups and other such things, but I find the others work much better and get me better results. 

So, there you have it. Now, stop making excuses and get on that healthy diet and exercise lifestyle and watch your life (and body) transform!! 

Love & Bruises, 

~Bianca xo 

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