As we’ve discussed on the blog before, dieting alone is an unhealthy way to lose
weight. A popular option for most people who are looking at adding exercise to
their life is running. Running is something most people can do without having to
invest a lot of money or having a lot of skills. However, when most of the country
is facing snowy, winter weather outdoor running seems like an impossible task.
If waiting until the weather gets better doesn’t work for you here are some great
Winter Weather Running Tips:

Layer Up, But Not Too Much: You need to layer when you go running outside but
you need to be careful not to overdress. You should strive to dress 15-20 degrees
colder than the actual temperature is outside. This allows your body temperature
to increase and reduce without you having to worry about overheating. You should
feel a chill when you walk outside, if you Viagra buy feel warm when you go outside you have
on too many levels.

Warm Up: Warming up before any type of vigorous activity is always a good idea,
it increases your flexibility and blood flow, which minimaliize injury. Take a brisk
walk for five minutes before you start running, and gradually increase your speed,
it should take 10-15 minutes to totally warm up. You could also take a hot shower
and/or throw your clothes in the dryer before you start your run.

Stay Hydrated: It is just as important to drink water during the winter to stay
hydrated as it is during the summer. You need to drink plenty of water or fluids
before, during and after your run. It is a good idea to drink a warmer water to avoid
it freezing while you are running.

Get a Buddy or Group Together: running with a group of people or a friend is a
great way to start running, especially in the winter when you might need some
extra motivation. It also increases safety since it can be darker in some parks that
could make it easier for you to run into trouble- there is strength in numbers. It also
makes what can be a tedious task more fun with some close friends.

Run When it is at its Warmest: Run during the day when the temperature is
warmest, you get the bonus of the all too absent winter sun. It is a good way to stay
warm and fight the winter blues.

Running outside during the winter can be a fun invigorating outfit but remember if
it gets too cold you can always hit the treadmill until the weather gets warmer!

Jillian Michaels, the hardcore Biggest Loser trainer has a new book in book stores called Master Your Metabolism, The 3 Diet Secrets to Naturally Balancing Your Horomones for a Hot and Healthy Body. Michaels brings some new information to the diet world, but mostly simply expands on many of things we already know.

Jillian pulls from her experience with her personal training clients as well as her tenure on The Biggest Loser to provide us with these 5 tips for getting in shape this summer:

1) Be a Goal Setter.

Goal setting is very important, even for the most motivated of dieters and exercisers.  Goals help you map your journey and track the success you have had and encourage you to push forward when weakness sets in.  Remember to set reasonable goals.  If you are 40 pounds overweight, try not to set a goal of losing that weight in only 2-4 months.  Be reasonable.  It is important to see success, so set reasonable goals, reach the goals and congratulate yourself, then make new goals and begin working towards them.

2) Remove Temptation.

Think of your lifestyle, and think of how you can eliminate the temptation of indulging in your favorite naughty foods.  Begin by cleaning out the refrigerator and pantry of any foods which are not good for you which you may be tempted to eat in a time of weakness.  Replace them with Foods that are rewarding and good for you.  Next, be sure to have foods for breakfast at hand for the morning rush.  If something is not readily available we will be tempted to stop for doughnuts or fast food.  If you are addicted to a particular tv show and do not want to miss it by going to the gym, invest in Tivo.  Even the smallest change to eliminate any temptation with regard to food is important.

3) Count Calories – You May Be Surprised.

Counting calories is so simple that many of us may neglest to do it.  But when counting calories you may surprise yourself, and not in a good way.  Keep a journal of all the food that you eat and look back on it at the end of every day.  Did you do well?  How can you improve?  If diet pills online your cardio routine is low your caloric intake should be around 1,200, and 1,400 – 1,600 for those with a heavy cardio schedule.  Countine calories and staying within your goal caloric intake is one of the best ways to lose unwanted pounds.

4) Vary Your Routine.

A workout does not always have to be done in a gym.  Is there a sport or physical activity that you have always wanted to try?  Yoga, martial arts, swimming, tai chi, tennis, etc.  These are all very physical and exciting ways to mix up your training, helping you to once again look forward to getting in shape.

5) One Daily Indulgence Won’t Kill You.

Starting a diet plan or lifestyle is not easy, especially if you switch cold turkey.  When startine a new diet, workout, or just counting calories to eat better, allow yourself 200-300 calories daily to indulge in something you love.  A small piece of cake or a cocktail with friends.  Being healthy and eating right does not mean giving up everything you love!!

Internalize these 5 simple steps to begin gettingin shape for the summer months.
Do you have exercise or diet tips that you use to say in shape?  If so, let us know.  We would love to share your ideas with our readers.

Buy Jillian Michael’s book from Amazon for less than $15.00.

Jillian Michaels also has a new exercise series called Hot Bod in a Box.  The series contains flash cards of 50 exercises which you can mix and match to create the workout that is perfect for you.

Hot Bod in a Box can also be purchased from Amazon for the low price of $10.00.