Don't Skip Your Workout!
The opening ceremonies for the Olympics have started and for the next two weeks we'll be glued to our television sets watching the fierce competition unfold. In all the excitement, you may decide to ditch your regular workout routine in favor of watching perfectly conditioned Olympians perform perfectly amazing feats of athleticism. But, maybe there's a way to fit exercise in so that you don't have to miss one minute of the Olympic games.
Be Creative
Now might be a good time to try out those dusty dumbbells you bought four months ago and have yet to use. What better time to strengthen your muscles than while watching the perfect physique of an Olympic athlete? You may not look like them when you're finished, but you'll definitely start building brand new lean muscle.
Lifting weights can be a tricky business if you're new to it, so take some time to learn proper exercises and form. One option is to buy a workout video and get instruction from the pros. If you're wary of buying a video sight unseen, a great resource for the home exerciser is Video Fitness, which provides hundreds of reviews for almost every exercise video ever produced. There you can search by type of video or instructor and read about them by real people who have actually done these videos. Some of the best are those produced by The Firm or just about any video by Karen Voight. Once you've chosen your video, you can buy it at Collage Video, which has the largest selection of workout videos available, along with consultants to tell you what’s in store for you. When you get the video in your hot little hands take some time and watch it first, then grab your weights, plop yourself down in front of the tube and start your workout while enjoying your favorite Olympic sport.
Don't have any weights? How about using some full water bottles or large cans of soup to add some resistance to your workout? Exercise bands are also inexpensive and versatile enough for you to find any exercise for your body. Plus, its something you can do while watching television. Body Trends offers several kinds of resistance bands, as well as instructions on how to use them.
This is also a great time to clean off those clothes hanging all over your treadmill and see if the darn thing still works. Not only will you be able to take a quick walk or jog while watching the Olympics, you’ll get the added benefit of knowing exactly how far you’ve gone and how fast you’re going. Schedule your walk so that it coincides with the track and field events beginning on Saturday, September 16. Seeing Marion Jones explode down the track in a 100-meter dash might motivate you to pick up your pace and go for the gold yourself.
