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From DestinationSpaVacations Fitness The Oaks at Ojai (California) Have you seen the cartoon showing people putting on jackets and sweaters, saying "Phew, glad swimsuit season is over!" The time for skimpy clothing is over, but who says you have to add fall and winter inches and pounds. Fall and winter are wonderful times to get going with a fit and trim body because then you can please yourself to no end when spring and summer arrive, and the return of skimpy clothes comes along. Here are some tips. *Fall into the habit to stay active. This fall it's easy to linger longer after the alarm screams, but try this. Set the time for fifteen minutes earlier and as you're waiting for the shower water to get hot or the coffee to drip through the maker, run in place for ten minutes, or until you're tried. Do some "push aways" by standing about 2 feet from the counter, making your body board stiff and pretending you're doing push ups. Start with as many as you can comfortable accomplish and add another set of ten each day. *Fall for activities you'll love. Sure you can golf, plan for holiday events, cheer at football games and stir up kettles of soup, but after this take a hike (or bike or swim). And try some new and different activities, maybe things you've been longing to try since you were a kid or teen. A friend called me recently to say, "We're going to take ballroom dancing classes!" She and her spouse had signed up through their college and the classes where definitely for beginners. Last year it was fencing and the fall before that they tried rock climbing. She told me, "Some couples settle into fall, eating more and gaining weight. But with activities we spice up our lives and they always make fall and winter something we really anticipate." *Fall for a fall or winter vacation. Choose a balmy spot, and if that doesn't keep you eating for a trim body nothing will. I love cruises and there's always one that makes me dust off my swimsuit and sundresses. A weekend get away at a spa could be the right prescription too. Whatever resort or spa you choose, include a facial and perhaps a nutritional consultation to keep you and your pretty face feeling great. *Fall in love with your body. How do you do that if it's not perfect? First, listen up. We humans are not perfect, but we're just right. Reconsider the things you're secretly telling yourself about being too old, too plump, too saggy to wear certain fitness clothing or try new activities. Rather, dress comfortably and start slowly. Surround yourself with people who support you. *Fall in love with walking. Enlist a family member, friend, colleague or your family's dog in a daily walking program. It's dependable, smart and portable. When traveling, talk with hotel staffers before you set out in unknown neighborhoods or use the hotel's treadmill or pool. *Fall for plenty of treats. If weight loss isn't a goal, but strength and endurance are then food treats are just the ticket. Otherwise, a novel you've been dying to read, a pedicure, a make up make over, or a night out for a play, poetry reading or movie will fit the bill. *Fall for the sun. You don't have to fly to Hawaii or the Bahamas to catch some rays, rather get out doors during lunch or sit near the window when working. People who feel moody or blue during fall report that these things can help, as can discussing this disorder that affects hormone production with your physician. The most potent time for sun? Before 1 PM. *Fall for herbs. This time a year, high-fat foods tempt even the most determined dieter. Rather than adding sauces or dressings all over foods, switch to sprinkling on herbs and spices. You can carry small shakers of dried herb powders in your purse and when you travel tuck them into a zipper plastic bag and pack them in a suitcase. But switching from heavy ranch-style salad dressing to lemon and lots of herbs on a salad, you'll save enough calories to have a small serving of dessert or "bank" that savings for a bigger treat later in the week. Go to a gourmet food store to try out the varieties; the selection is nearly endless. *Fall in love with what you're eating. Make time to sit at a table and before you take a bite of your meal, look at the food as a means to nourish your body. Here's a tip for fall: Be aware that fat free or "lite" on a label doesn't mean that the food is low in calories. I remember recently when one of my favorite childhood treats suddenly became lower in calories. Did you guess it? The company could say this because they'd made the cookie smaller. Fall in love with reading labels. It's time to fall in love with your body this fall, and keep it fit for life. www.oaksspa.com © Copyright 2008 |
