Record a Lance Armstrong bike marathon and watch it while you stationary cycle. Watching the video while you train will help keep you motivated and could inspire you to push your own limits. Live Strong!

Can’t find the time for fitness? Move your walk to the evening or store athletic shoes under your desk or in your car. This way, you’re better prepared for afternoon or after dinner strolls. Look for a shoe that bends where the toes bend, not in the middle, which could put stress on that part of the foot and cause abnormal motion.

It’s important to replace the nutrients that are lost during exercise. Consider having a protein shake after your workout, giving you additional energy to carry on with the other activities of your day. Avoid eating a heavy meal after exercising, as it can interfere with proper digestion. Be sure to replace B-Vitamins, as they can help boost energy, and antioxidants, as these important vitamins help protect the body from cell damage.

Some recent studies have shown a link between pet ownership and better health. Owning a pet like a dog, can become a stimulus for exercise. Studies have shown pet owners to have better cardiovascular fitness levels than people without pets. In addition, pets have been shown to reduce anxiety, be a source of physical contact or comfort, and decrease feelings of loneliness and depression.

Weight loss may sound overwhelming at first, but be patient. It takes time to reprogram a lifetime of bad habits. If you want to take it off and keep it off, don’t think of yourself as being on a diet. The word diet has a negative tone to it. Rather, it’s about changing your lifestyle, and that starts with small steps. Set realistic goals, starting with small ones that will have you feeling accomplished for making smart and healthy choices.

A stronger, more flexible core means:

Better posture: Strong core muscles assist your spine and keep you properly aligned, making you  less likely to fall and injure other parts of your body.

Better digestion:  Your digestive system will function more efficiently because you’re not condensing your intestines.

More energy: By allowing for a more efficient respiratory intake, you’ll increase your oxygen intake and have more energy.

Clearer head: Weak cores can lead to pain, especially in your chest and upper back and forcing your neck to tilt back and pinch. This effect can cause headaches and mental fogs. Strengthen your core to make things less cloudy.

Look Leaner: With better posture, comes a leaner look. Your core will hold you up properly and make your silhouette look more flattering.

Make a workout pact with a friend of yours. Take turns playing trainer-it’ll make the workout more exciting and it’s surely easier to stay revved up if there is a pair to do it together.

If you can, fit exercise in before the day begins, you’ll be less likely to skip working out and less tempted to eat a whole fruitcake by yourself.

If your schedule is so busy that you can’t fit in an hour to walk, take full advantage of your spare minutes throughout the day. Head outdoors for a stroll before or after lunch or between appointments. Even 5 minutes of walking is enough to recharge your batteries.

1.     Practicing stress-busters such as yoga or meditation prepares you for handling harried situations and finding your inner calm. If you interpret every stressor in your life as something you deserved or can’t handle, then your body will constantly be in flight-or-fight mode. Take the time to learn or master a stress-relaxing activity or sport.