As much experience as our team of nutrition and fitness professionals have working out in the gym, we know that the same old routine day in and day out can get stale, both mentally and physically.  By changing your workouts and trying new classes and endeavors, you can avoid the dreaded “plateau” that so many of us get caught up on.  How do you find something new that you’ll actually enjoy?  Re-discover what you loved as a kid.  Maybe it was dancing, roller blading or swimming.  Chances are these are still activities that you’ll thrive in to this day.  Find a new workout trainer or friend to keep your workouts fresh.  Some of the easiest ways to scout out a new partner is to speak to your gym and ask if they have a “buddy” system or could suggest someone to pair you up with.  Talk to people in your health club to see what trainers have the best track record and are a good match for you.  And don’t forget to grab a copy of the fitness class calendar that comes out each month and give a few new classes a try.  Many people find that a fun and structured class is just what they need to get to that next level.  Change can be intimidating for many of us and it always gets easier.  Keep your mind open to exploring new activities and your body will thank you for it.

We all know how challenging it can be to fit in a half- hour to an hour a day of exercise. And most of us also know how important that hour of exercise is both mentally and physically.  That hour is your “me time” and it is incredibly important.  It’s your time to unwind and relax.  Physically that hour keeps your bones healthy, strengthens your muscles and immune system and brings you one step closer to the physique you’re trying to achieve.  So how can we all find the time to fit exercise into our hectic day?  The first step is considering your workout a “necessary” part of the day, just like brushing your teeth or paying bills.  Take the time each day to add it to your appointment book (in ink!) and you will be more likely to stick to it.  Most of our members find that even if they promise themselves to workout for only 15 minutes, they will keep going because of the endorphins they feel.  Will you have days, even weeks, when your workout schedule becomes irregular, and working out falls a notch on the priority list? Absolutely.  Our best advice for fitting in your “me time” is making yourself a promise to make it happen.  We all have 24 hours in the day; it’s up to us how we choose to use them. 

Did you know that the number one way to reach your nutrition and fitness goals is as simple as getting enough sleep?  Most of us will notice that we are much hungrier than usual and craving sweets like crazy when we are sleep deprived.  Not to mention, we lack the energy to get up and get moving.  For any of you out there who have experienced sudden changes in life (a new baby, a new job, family, stress), you know how much skipping sleep can hurt.  Here are a few excellent tips to help you get the sleep you need and deserve.  It begins with accepting the fact that life will get crazy at times and letting some of the worry and stress go.   If you missed out on an hour of sleep last night, make it a point to get to bed an hour earlier tonight with a good book to relax.  At the end of the day, try writing your to-do list of everything that needs to get done the following day.  Taking all the stress off of your mind and putting it on paper will clear your head for the night and allow you to relax. Make sure to create a comfortable sleep environment, an incredibly important (but often overlooked!) factor.   Invest in a quality bed (shop around to see what feels best for you) soft sheets, along with a dark curtain to keep the morning sun out of your eyes.   Remember, the quality of your sleep is just as important as the quantity.  For more effective tips on learning to improve your sleep, please see your online member handbook.

Nicole Hilburt, RD,CNSD Director of Dietetics