I love being asked “Hey how’s “Operation Warehouse to Brickhouse” going or, “Did you workout today?” That helps when the strength is starting to fade or when the laziness is starting to make its way back in. You know alot of people feel as though, “Well, nobody’s calling me on it so…it’s ok to goof off and be a slacker.” So, believe me, I absolutely LOVE the inquiries about my mission. You are all a great help. Because not only is it me who I will let down if I don’t continue in this fight, but it is all who are keeping up with me whom I will let down as well and it would break my heart. Stay tuned friends; you’re not doing this in vein. I’m gonna run on and see what the end is going to be.

I look to you all as my virtual fitness friends and it’s a great way to stay motivated even online. It’s also great to have a fitness friend offline as well. However, this friend must be a like minded individual who is just as motivated, grounded, focuses, dedicated, passionate, and committed to the goal just like you are. Often times we want to seek our closest friends, closest relatives, or someone whom we feel could stand to get in shape and that’s natural. However, that closest or best bud may not be nearly as driven as you are and that’s a recipe for disaster. Say for instance, the friend who is suggest going to the local watering hole rather than the gym is the equivalent the friend who suggest you skip class knowing you have to take a final exam. You’ll both end up looking crazy in the end, well in this case, out of shape.

So its extremely helpful and beneficial to have someone who is just as serious about getting in shape as you are. It helps if the goals are similar, but not a necessity. You may be a weight room kinda guy/gal whereas your friend may be treadmill fiend. Sometimes, just knowing that you’re friend and motivator is nearby pushes you forward. More than likely, there won’t be too much talking going on anyway so it really doesn’t make a difference.

Also, you feed off each others drive. Kind of like a monkey see, monkey do factor. There may be times when you don’t feel like working out, but when you see your friend up, about, and moving forward to their goal, it pushes you to do just the same. It’s very important to not become the “dead weight” friend who gives up too easily, moans and complains all the time, or allows laziness to overcome your better judgment. Just have fun. That’s really what it’s all about; getting in shape and having fun. Make it more interesting by setting up incentives and planning trips when you reach certain goals. I promise you, there’s nothing but benefits to reap.

Walking is a very natural form of exercise. It’s simple, easy, fun, and something you’ve been knowing how to do since you were 6 mos. old or older. The health benefits including lowering cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of disease are wonderful. But I also like the outdoors factor of walking. Besides the park, another place I like to walk is on the lake at sunset. It’s beautiful and peaceful scenery and it gives me a chance to clear my head and relax my mood so it also helps with stress and anxiety. Just like any other workout, preparation is key to a successful walking plan. You must warm-up and stretch for 5 minutes before as well as cool down after to prevent injury. Wear proper walking shoes and proper workout wear. Make sure your clothes are comfortable and light so you don’t feel weighed down while you’re walking. If you like to walk at night, make sure you wear reflective tape so motorist on the road can see you. Form is everything when getting in shape. Your fitness routine will never help you on your journey if form is ever compromised. Make sure your arms are in a swinging position, head held high, focus ahead, tighten your core, and walk in a heal to toe movement. You can make this more fun by changing up scenery every once in a while to stay motivated and keep it fun. Also, you can ask a friend to come along and take a walk with you, or like me, bring your puppy. If you have kids or babysitting, bring them along with you and keep your infants in the stroller as you walk. The possibilities to get in shape are endless and walking is a great way to do so. So if you’re a fitnista on a budget like me, always remember, it doesn’t cost a grip to get in shape. Even if you don’t have a nearby park, just walking around your neighborhood for the same amount of time, with proper movement, at a good distance within your target heart rate zone will work just as good. So, good luck and get in shape!!!