You know, I'm a big advocate of regular aerobic activity in any fitness and health regimen. But I'm only human, and sometimes my commitment to regular exercise wanes when I get too busy with some other distraction. Recently I started a new job and have been traveling a lot. My schedule is erratic and if I have to entertain a client in the evening, well, exercise is not on my mind when I come back to my hotel room and collapse into bed.

If I have a breakfast meeting the next day or have to get to the airport to catch an early flight, soon I realize a week has gone by without any exercise. Then two weeks. Then three. It's hard! And the longer it's been since you exercised, the harder it is too get back into an aerobic exercise routine.

I Was In Bad Shape

I used to jog every other day for 3 to 5 miles at a clip. On the off days I'd mix in a little Tai Chi, which I've been doing on and off for years. I never felt better and my cardiovascular functions were perfect. So I was shocked last week when I had my annual check up, and my doctor asked me what I had been doing with myself. I had gained ten pounds, my blood pressure was elevated, my cholesterol was high,and my blood sugar also was higher than before. I was a mess! He suggested I get back to a healthier routine. So I decided to get back in to the groove. A New Leaf! (How many times have I turned those over?)

30 Days To Success

I was procrastinating as usual and just couldn't get motivated. But a friend of mine who is a fitness fanatic was urging me to get started. He said to try the "30 Days To Success" program. How it works is that  you set a target of jogging at least 3 times a week. You think of this as a "temporary activity." You do it for a 30-day trial. After 30 days you can quit and won't have to do it anymore.

I think it is human nature that whenever we need to change our daily habits, it seems very hard for us to make a start. We will feel overwhelmed when we think that we need to continue to do this for the rest of our lives. We get discouraged and never make an attempt to start. But if we think of this as only a temporary change, then it will become easier for us to start. Anyway after 30 days we will be able to go back to our normal daily life.

Staying One A Regimen Easier After You've Started One

So what happen is after 30-days of trial, we'll be getting closer to being in a groove again and it will be easier for us to continue to maintain the habit. This is a powerful way to improve our life. It worked for me!

I  think I'm going to try this out with  15 minutes of simple Tai Chi exercises everyday for a 30-day trial.

Good Luck!

P.S. If any of you have any secret ways to "get back into the groove" of your exercise plan, please feel free to comment here and share your tip with our other readers. Thanks.

Technorati Tags: aerobic exercise, cardiovascular, cholesterol, Diabetes, fitness regimen, High Blood Pressure, tai chi

The Pilates Method of exercise is a popular form of exercise that was developed by German-born Joseph Pilates in the 1920s.

It emphasizes a balanced evolution the body's development by combining mind and body work through a controlled sequence of movement. According to www.pilatesinsights.com, Joseph Pilates developed these movements based on his experiences with yoga, Zen meditation, martial arts, and other fitness techniques. Many dancers soon became avid practitioners and displayed the benefits of Pilates’ method through their fluid movements. Regular practice and mastery of the technique stretches, strengthens, and tones muscle, improves posture, flexibility, and balance, and unites mind and body.  Almost nine decades later, the benefits of Pilates continue to be recognized by people who want to take a more controlled low-impact approach to fitness.

The Benefits Are Many

The benefits of Pilates are many, and through continued patience and dedication, movements can be mastered and the benefits clearly defined. In addition to the benefits of Pilates mentioned above, regular practice of the method builds a strong, long, and lean body core using deep abdominal muscles. Pilates movements also reduce stress and tension, increase energy, improve circulation and range of motion, and strengthen the spine improving flexibility, which promotes back health and recovery from injury. The benefits of Pilates matwork emphasizes the point that the body is the only tool needed to achieve physical fitness. There really is not need to exercise full speed ahead and possibly cause injury to your body. The old adage, “no pain no gain” is simply not true. A good work out does not have to leave you exhausted and sore.

Popularity Increased With Yoga And Tai Chi

The benefits of Pilates was again resurrected with a resurgance in popularity along side yoga, tae chi, meditation, and turning the focus toward safer and more sensible forms of exercise and total body fitness. Joseph Pilates said, “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.”  This is another example of the benefits of Pilates; mental and spiritual health gained through controlled mind/body movements that increase blood flow and improve circulation throughout the body. The entire body functions better with regular exercise; endorphins are released that improve out mood and outlook on life. Pilates is not just a passing fad, it has been proven to be effective and beneficial to people of all ages. Joseph Pilates also said, “In ten sessions you will feel the difference, and in thirty you’ll have a whole new body.” I can attest that you will start feeling more toned after only three sessions, so go ahead and experience the benefits of Pilates for yourself!

Technorati Tags: Exercise, Fitness, Pilates, tai chi, Yoga, zen meditation