1.Hydrate yourself:
All the cells in your body require water. If they are not hydrated they do not function properly during exercise. Without proper hydration, you will fatigue quicker and your workout will feel tougher.

2.Music over Books:
Reading may slow down your results and your speed. Listen to music and speed things up. So put down the book, turn off your cell phone and close that magazine once in awhile. Studies show that listening to your favorite music can increase your cardio intensity and duration.

3.Don't rely on the Calorie Counter:
If you are basing your workout duration on the amount of calories burned according to the machine, you may be shortchanging yourself. There are many websites that you can use as a reference source to double check the amount of calories burned based on personal information (weight, height, age, activity level, etc.).

4.Walk or Run?:
Don't run if you don't like it. Find an exercise that you enjoy. If you don't like an exercise, you will start to skip your workouts. If exercising is a chore for you, make it something that you enjoy doing; you will be more likely to stick with it.

5. Form over speed:
Slowing down and focusing on form is more important than lifting heavy weights faster. Lower your weights, slowdown and use the correct form. You will reduce your risk of injury and you will increase your muscular benefit.

6. Who needs weights when there is cardio equipment?:
You do! Not only will weight lifting boost your metabolism, but studies show that people who combine weights and cardio eat less. In addition to that, muscle burns more calories than fat. You can't beat that.

Deb Lal, Owner & Fitness Instructor
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Downtown Health & Fitness
Member of the Coos County Women's
Health Coalition