Image via rosswebsdale

Today marks the beginning of Week 3 of my 8 Week Fitness Challenge. I greeted Week 3 with a blissful hips class from Yoga Today. I also took advantage of the BEAUTIFUL weather we have been having in South Florida and practiced outside.

While I would love to say that I have been this enthusiastic about exercising all along, I would be lying. I would also be lying if I said I always find time to do an hour long yoga class everyday, because let’s face it, sometimes life gets in the way. Ok, so I’m going to be completely honest here: sometimes I absolutely hate getting up early just to exercise, or sometimes I keep putting it off because I have work to do, or sometimes I just don’t feel like it. Raise your hand if you find as many excuses as I do in order avoid exercising. Pretty sure about 90% of you should have had your hand raised. As for the other 10%, I envy you.

I really don’t know why people make excuses when it comes to fitness. I mean, do we or do we not feel better after we exercise? I for one know that as soon as a cut the bullshit and get my ass on a yoga mat that I almost instantly feel better. Ok, there I go lying again. It’s definitely not instant self gratification, but I have noticed that beginning my day with yoga definitely makes me feel better, and dare I say it, makes me more productive. The bottom line is that I feel a tremendous difference after an hour long class of yoga than if I just don’t do any physical activity at all, and that is what I have to remember the next time I want to press snooze on the alarm.

For the 90% of you who should have raised your hand earlier, I have compiled a list of articles and resources so that maybe you can stop the excuses and stick to some sort of semblance of a fitness routine. For lack of a better term, let’s just call this compilation Amanda’s Fitness Bible.

Amanda’s Fitness Bible: Resources for the Fitness Challenged (Like Me)

Zen to Fitness – Getting Started With a Healthy Lifestyle: Zen to Fitness is like a little gem of healthy living. You could easily spend an entire day just looking through this awesome blog for pearls of fitness wisdom.

YogaToday:  I know, I know. I just don’t shut up about Yoga Today. What can I say? After spending months sifting through online yoga classes these were the most beautiful, down to earth, effective and calming videos I could find. Not only do they have a free class available every week, but a membership costs about as much as that Netflix account you have. So instead of spending 10 bucks a month sitting on your ass watching movies, spend it on your health (it’s a better investment in the long run anyway). If you don’t believe me then you can try a 2 week free trial and gain access to over 200 classes.

WebMD Health and Fitness – How to Start an Exercise Program: WebMD offers helpful tips on how to start your own exercise routine. Everyone has to start somewhere right?

Gaiam Blog – Five Ways to Stay Motivated and Exercise Regularly: This is much more than the usual “think about your body in a bathing suit” post. These tips are actually practical and not depressing.

6 Ways to Hold Yourself Accountable to a Fitness Routine: Accountability is key.

Fitness Spotlight -The Biggest Workout Mistakes People Make: Definitely worth a read before you end up swearing off exercise because of injury.

Is Your Workout Getting You Results or Just Making You Tired? Some tips for getting the most out your routine.

Amanda Abella

Amanda Abella is a freelance writer and language instructor based out of Miami, Florida. She has been writing professionally since 2009 and holds a degree in English Literature from Ave Maria University. Amanda Abella is available for freelance work, why not hire her?

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