Little Motivators

Tomorrow is the first official day of fall. It's the most beautiful time of year to start or kick up your outdoor walking routine. Need some motivation to get those feet hittin' the pavement? If and when you hit a plateau or find yourself in a workout rut, try some of these little tricks to get you re-motivated:

1. Download some new 'tunes. Sometimes all it takes is the right ditty to make you feel like dancing. And isn't that the point after all?
2. Buy some new workout gear. They don't have to be pricey, hoity toity designer duds. Just a little something that might help you feel okay about being seen out on the trail.
3. Try a new walking path. Go somewhere (safe) where you've never been before and just let your feet wander. A park, a different neighborhood...even a different street.
4. Join a walking/running group. There are few things as inspiring or motivating as having a buddy (or several) to join you in your workout. To find some groups or events in your area, try these links: keysports.net or upandrunningindayton.com in Dayton; and runningspot.com, fleetfeetcincy.com or runmojo.com in the Cincinnati area.

Just keep moving. Everyday. Even when you don't feel like it. Keep moving and you'll move closer and closer to your goal of being truly fit and healthy. And maybe, once January rolls around, you can move a new resolution into that number one spot.

Perfect Patty

Is there that one person in your life whom you look at with envy? You know her - she's Perfect Patty. Despite having three kids and a full-time job, she's the one who works out before she comes to work. She packs her lunch almost everyday and it always looks like somebody's backyard garden. She's the one who reaches for her walking shoes instead of a cup of joe when the midafternoon doldrums hit. She's that person who makes being healthy look so darn easy.

You know what? Even Perfect Patty has rough days. And it's likely that she didn't always have these healthy habits. Yes, it's quite possible that one day, long ago, she was just like you - struggling to be healthier. It probably looks easy because she's formed habits. Behaviors don't make it into our routines as habits until we practice them over and over and over. It takes awhile. The reason we have a hard time sticking to these healthy behaviors is because we lose patience for the process. Ah yes, patience - one of the most difficult qualities for most of us to cultivate.

You know in your heart that healthy behaviors don't become true lifestyles overnight, however putting this awareness into practice as you try to become healthier is essential. Be patient with yourself. You're working to change habits that you've developed throughout most of your life. So take another look at Perfect Patty and let her be an inspiration to you. Maybe even grab your own walking shoes and join her.

Get Past the Cravings

Picture it. It's Sunday night and your family is intent on ordering pizza. You really want to maintain control and instead choose a healthier, more balanced meal. But you're outvoted. The moment arrives and the pizza boy is at the door. Just the ding-dong of the doorbell makes your mouth water.

What's a health seeker to do? First, recognize that resisting temptation gets easier. It's so much more difficult to resist when you're used to giving into your cravings. The more often you resist and choose a different path, the more natural it will feel. Believe it or not, you'll get to a point when you actually crave the healthy stuff. Second, if the urge seems overwhelming, excuse yourself from the table and find something else to do while your family finishes their meals. Take a walk, eat your healthy dinner in another room, chew gum or go brush your teeth. It may sound isolating, but it's not a forever solution. It's something to help you get past this moment.

We all have to make difficult choices when it comes to becoming healthier. At first, it may seem like you always have to resist, but when you tap into what really makes you feel stronger and healthier, the best choice becomes the path of least resistance.