If you take a look at any list of top resolutions people make each New Year, you will always find these three amongst the top ten: lose weight, reduce debt/stick to a budget and get organized! All too often we start out with great intentions only to see them fall by the wayside in just a matter of weeks. If getting in shape, saving money and living a healthier life are goals of yours for 2011, there are things you can do to set yourself up for success.  It’s possible to combine all three by organizing an exercise program for yourself at home for very little cost. 

Finding time to exercise can be a challenge. If you are strapped for time, even driving to and from the gym can take up valuable time that could be used to actually exercise – in that case working out from home can save you time as well as money.  As a busy single mom and business owner, I know how easy it is for exercise to fall to the bottom of my To Do list.  While it certainly would be great to lose a few pounds, exercise plays a more important part in my overall health and well-being.  When I choose to exercise regularly I feel better mentally, physically, and emotionally which enables me to be that much more productive, efficient, and able to manage my workload. 

It’s my choice whether I exercise or not, but being consistent is a key.  Change means creating new habits that move you towards the life you want to be living. The only way to create a new habit is to get into a routine and do it over and over and over again until it almost becomes a part of you.

What do you need to do to MAKE IT HAPPEN?  Go to bed earlier so you can get up earlier, turn off the TV for 30 minutes in the evening, find time during your lunch hour, work out with an exercise buddy to keep you motivated? Whatever it is, become determined to do it!

And working out at home doesn’t mean you have to have all different kinds of exercise equipment strewn about your house. See my January Organizing Tips for ideas on how to not only organize your exercise routine, but also your exercise equipment.

Pump it up, people!

~ Jodie ~

8  TIPS TO ORGANIZE YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE & EQUIPMENT!

1.     Make a list of the activities you enjoy doing that will get you moving – zumba, kick boxing, bike riding, yoga, etc.

2.     Decide which days and times during the week you will exercise (aim for at least 3 times per week.)  How long will your workouts be? If necessary start out small, even just 10 minutes a day to get you going and gradually build up from there.

3.     Schedule the time you have set aside to exercise in your calendar and make it a priority to stick to the days and times you have set for yourself.

4.    Download my FREE “Weekly Exercise Chart” here. Place the chart on a wall close to where you exercise and keep track of your exercise routine.  List the exercises you plan to do down the left hand column.  Each day, jot down the time spent and/or number of reps for each exercise in the corresponding box.

5.     Create a routine where you do different types of exercise on different days: Mondays – Walking, Tuesdays – Stationary Bike, Thursdays – Weights, Fridays – Exercise DVD, etc.  To keep it fresh and interesting, rotate your routine from time to time to include new exercises.

6.     Make sure you have the equipment you need on hand for the various activities you have chosen to do. Keep all exercise equipment together and in a place where it’s easily accessible and close to the area in which you will use it.

7.     Designate some space inside a closet in which to keep your equipment and work out clothes. Use a basket, box or other small to medium size container to house wrist weights, resistance bands, & pulleys, etc. A dumbell rack will store your weights and make them easy to access. Keep your exercise mat rolled up. Stack steps & risers along a wall or inside your exercise closet. A great way to house your exercise ball is to use an exercise ball stacker to stop it from rolling around when not in use.

8.     Keep all work-out clothes together in your exercise closet and separate by long & short sleeve tops, long & short exercise pants, etc. Keep a selection of fun exercise DVD’s on hand for when you need to pump your at-home work out up a notch.

Just Do It!

Contact Jodie Watson:

If you have any questions, would like to schedule a professional organizing telephone consultation, or would like Jodie Watson to speak at your next corporate function, group meeting, social event, or retreat, call at (818) 590-7800. You can also contact Jodie on Facebook and Twitter or visit her website at Supreme Organization.