Martial Arts Master Instructor: Senior Master Thomas
Changing Lives Martial Arts in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake
Too Tired to Exercise?

Are you making excuses to avoid exercise and say you feel too tired to work out any more? You know it is good for you and you always feel better after, but the "do it anyway" motto isn't cutting it any more. If it isn't due to a physical illness or low-iron level, then here are a few pointers to try to motivate yourself to keep going.

Change your schedule. If you usually exercise in the evening, set your alarm thirty minutes early and get your exercise session out of the way before your day begins. An early morning exercise session will help energize and motivate you for the rest of the day. Plus, you can look forward to a relaxing evening knowing you've accomplished your goal. This can be a simple solution to the problem of being too tired to work out..

Sometimes the best cure for sluggishness or fatigue is a vigorous exercise session. Have you ever noticed how you can walk into your martial arts class (Tae Kwon Do, Krav Maga, Karate) exhausted, but after thirty minutes, you feel energized and invigorated? Exercise gets your blood flowing and zaps fatigue. Classes are designed to be both mentally and physically challenging. If you need motivation to lure yourself to class, promise yourself a small reward after you finish, like a long, relaxing bath or 20 minutes with your favorite book; just make sure it's not a hot fudge sundae!

If it is only occasionally that you find yourself too tired to work out, go ahead and work out, but less vigorously. To help you to take the first step, tell yourself you'll only exercise for ten minutes. Chances are you won't notice when the ten minutes have passed; you'll feel so invigorated that you'll want to keep going. You can always change your routine temporarily to get rid of the boredom by substituting something fun. Go outside for a brisk walk. Shoot hoops in the driveway. Ride your bike to the local store. You can get back on schedule the next time you exercise and the variety will be good for you both physically and mentally. If you still find yourself "too tired," talk to your instructor about ways to exercise outside of class that will also benefit your martial arts skills. Give these tips a try and soon you'll no longer need the old excuse of being too tired to work out. Plus, you'll look and feel like a new person.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. " -- Maya Angelou

Healthy Snack Tips

There are many different diets out there, but they don't always fit a person's lifestyle, not to mention, not everyone needs a diet, just healthier eating habits to fit their lifestyle. Emotional eaters know they need to keep their trigger foods like chips, ice cream, cookies and candy out of the house. Stock healthier snacks like fruits, air-popped popcorn, pretzels, crunchy vegetables with low-fat dips or nuts. For those times when you know you will be busy, bag your snacks in individual baggies or containers as soon as you get them home, so you can grab and go without devouring the entire bag. If you absolutely feel the need for a treat, purchase a small or individual serving of your favorite treat and enjoy it.

Snacking in front of the television is another habit that isn't easy on the fat or calories. If you find you can't give up snacking while watching your shows, keep low-calorie foods on hand. We all know how easy it is to eat too much when you are mesmerized by your favorite drama, game or cooking show. Eat crisp, raw vegetables instead of greasy chips. Do you feel like you can't live without chocolate? If there are foods you won't give up, enjoy them in smaller amounts. Buy one tiny, high-quality piece of candy and enjoy it. If it only comes in one size, leave the rest in the break room at work; it won't be there long enough to tempt you. Limit other favorite treats or foods that aren't healthy by enjoying them only once or twice a month and make a big production of savoring your treat. Don't scarf it down while driving home; sit alone in a quiet, peaceful area and savor each small bite.

You won't transform your unhealthy diet overnight, so don't despair. Most people can't. Implement one idea at a time and every change you make will be one step in the right direction. Remember the saying; "A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins With One Step". Make that step today, small or large a step in the right direction is a step to living longer and a healthier live style.

Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts Instructors
Making a difference in our community. Best of the Beach and Best of Chesapeake, Year after Year.
"Instructors are not only there to teach classes but to positively motivate, inspire and teach the necessary self discipline traits and life skills needed in this ever changing world". States; Senior Master Thomas of Changing Lives ATA Martial Arts. For more information on their various programs with Israeli Krav Maga Certified Instructors to the more traditional Martial Arts styles such as Karate and Taekwondo (Tae Kwon Do) visit http://www.atakick.com or via phone at 757-432-9022.