Its January, the storm of holiday foods we’ve over indulged in is finally behind us. Unfortunately the few pounds you’ve gained during them is still lurking around. Do not feel ashamed if you’ve gained weight because of the holiday mayhem. The holidays are a stressful time of the year and with mass amounts of comfort food its a formula for disaster.
One of the hardest parts of losing the weight is knowing how to motivate yourself to work out for longer. Many people like to listen to their ipod while they work out. But sometimes it can get boring when you’ve grown tired of the songs you already have and it can be annoying constantly flip through songs. Here are some tips and techniques to motivate you to work out for longer and also make the most out of your iPod.
Customize your Playlists to your Work Out
When you set up a work out routine chances are there is a set time limit for your new exercise plan. Your iPod is a great way of timing your routines with out making you feel like you have to keep watching the clock. Watching the clock makes any exercise routing feel longer when in reality you’re just growing impatient and looking for an excuse to quit. Instead, set up some playlists that round up to about 25 minutes worth of songs on your iPod. This lets you know that when the music is done playing you have successfully completed a work out.
For cardio, customizing your ipod playlist to the tempo of your exercise routine also helps. For example, if you enjoy jogging you might want to start off your playlist with a few slow songs to let yourself know that during those songs you are supposed to be warming up and easing your way into the work out. In the middle of your work out let the songs on your iPod be more upbeat and high energy. Then as you wind down you can again put some slow songs at the end of your playlist. Your work outs will be longer and more enjoyable if you apply this technique.
Audiobooks
Did you know that almost every best seller or book you can find at Borders or Barnes and Nobles is available online? Look up books in audio form either on audible.com, amazon.com, or itunes music store. Get lost listening to a story and work outs end up being longer unintentionally. Try listening to an audiobook on the next walk or cardio routine.
Podcasts
Podcasts are available on itunes and the best part of it is that many of them are free. Download your favorite podcast onto your iPod and listen to it while you work out.
TV Shows and Movies
On itunes most tv shows and movies are available to purchase and download online. The screen on most iPods can be rather small so viewing any programs on it can be a little straining for the eyes. Avoid watching shows on the iPod when there is bouncy cardio involved such as running. Instead, watch the iPod movie or shows when exercising on a stationary bike or when doing low impact exercise.
In general any form of distraction during exercise allows for a longer more succesful work out. The key is to avoid staring down the clock and to avoid finding excuses to not work out. Implementing techniques that motivate activity will allow anyone to have a great start when re-entering the exercise world.
