30 Day Fit Challenge

Hey everyone,
Spring is in the air and that means Spring Break is drawing closer and closer. Like many people SB is a time for fun and excitement but also a little bit of dread for bikini season. So in preparation for the summer we've decided to embark on a health quest. The J-N-T Team (and anyone who wants to join) decided to do something every week to make it to March. Sometimes its hard to get and keep workout momentum so what's helpful to have a solid group of people who are working together toward the same goal. So here are a few things we're trying for starting and keep a regimen together

• Plan at least 30 mins a day for activity
• Starting off small with either walking or light exercise will help build a habit that will keep you going for the following weeks. Running in the morning before a late class, walking instead of taking the bus/car, or taking the stairs instead of elevator is a great way to work in tiny snatches of exercise those first couple of days. 
• Look in scheduled classes at your local gym/recreation center
• Some people prefer the structure of a specific class or personal trainer rather than just going to the gym and trying to figure out all the machines. Lately the team has taken to use our university recreation center with classes like Zumba, Sweat and Sculpt, Spinning, and Kick-boxing. So don't be afraid to use your resources and take a class, especially if its free.
• Find fun exercising trips/adventures to take during weekends
•    As a reward for doing well all week (or maybe as a pick-me-up for not getting through all of your goals) try planning a nice weekend that is relaxing but still has some workout potential. For example, maybe take a picnic down to the bay but instead of driving there take the bike trail or hike. Or go swimming and do some water aerobics before taking a light lunch al fresco. This breaks in routine not only serves as positive reinforcement but can also give your workout that extra umph needed to get to the next level.
• Look into home workout
• Having an IPhone is awesome! The Nike Training Club app, which includes interval workouts for getting toned, slimming down, and even targeting specific areas like abs or arms. And all the workouts come in different levels of intensity so you can work up to the highest level. They also offer rewards for each milestone that you reach like healthy smoothies or celebrity workouts. But for those who don't have a smart phone or want to try something else, there are plenty of other options. If you have a Wii or home game system they have games designed to help you work out, like Wii Zumba or Biggest Loser. 
• Also look to the Internet. We recently found a website that is a free workout everyday including diet guidelines and a serious support group on FACEBOOK to help you through. The site is called BODYROCK.tv and they have daily workouts, fit test, and even 30 challenges(there is one for February that we've currently embarking on that is great! ). You call also subscribe to them on YouTube at  YouTube-BodyRock.   And for the people who don't want to buy expensive equipment that they use, they always show you modifications that include every level of fitness and availability. 

So lets get motivated and get those bodies healthy and ready for some fun in the sun. If anyone has any other helpful hints about getting in-shape for the summer please leave comments so we can all work together.