Tips for Shaping Up

1. Instead of taking the elevator or escalator…take the stairs! You’ll be surprised how this works the heart and lungs and tones and shapes the legs and buttocks.
2. Turn on your favorite music and just dance! Let go, move your arms and kick your heels up. This is great for total body toning and good for soul.
3. Take 10 minutes out of your day and put your feet up! This takes the pressure off your body, eases tension and relaxes the mind. A great stress reducer.
4. For every “yes” let there be a “no.” Strive for realistic deadlines. Don’t make a promise you can’t keep. Set attainable goals. Let go of unrealistic expectations of yourself and others. Spend time in nature. The excess weight will drop off!
5. Think healthy. Optimum health provides us with the insight necessary to define our goals and the motivation required to achieve them. When we are truly well, we are able to adapt to change and stress without significant damage to our bodies.
6. Take regular trips to your local health food store. There are so many fantastic products on the market today that can enhance weight loss, stamina, attitude and beauty.
7. Go for a walk after dinner. This helps to digest your food and will speed up your metabolism. Breathing in fresh air is essential to weight loss.
8. Stand up straight! Think of your navel into the small of your back and your shoulders on a shelf. This activates the core and helps to flatten the tummy and trim the waistline.
9. Take deep breaths throughout the day. Breathe in from your nose to your belly and breathe out through your mouth until you have no air left in your belly. This is a great stress reducer!
10. Use your legs! When you bend over to get something bend your knees and squat down. This is great for strengthening your back and toning your legs and burns extra calories.
11. Don’t park so close! When you park your car go farther away from the store than usual. The extra walk will increase your metabolism and assist in weight loss.

Get on a routine! Strive to get to bed at the same time every night. Sleep is essential to weight management and growth hormone (GH) release. The adrenal glands rest and cortisol chemistry is improved.