Angie's Corner

Routines: The Plus Side of Predictability

by Angie Miller

I just returned from a thirteen-day volunteer trip to Hungary. It was rewarding and memorable to say the least, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss my daily routine. Not necessarily the one that involves real life responsibilities and everyday stressors. That routine can’t compete with the energy and novelty of life on vacation. The routine I missed was my daily workout schedule, the one that boosts my confidence, gets my day started, and mentally prepares me for whatever it is that might come by way. The one where I teach fitness classes and swing my kettlebells. That routine makes me feel purposeful and accomplished. The other can sometimes drive me crazy.

My experience got me to thinking about the concept of routine. What is it about routine that we come to dread when vacation is long overdue, but crave after we’ve been away for too long? Is it the predictability of knowing what lies ahead and how we will spend our time? Does the discipline of daily routine help us lead our life with intention? Or is that there is comfort in knowing where we will be and what is expected of us? Maybe it’s all of above. But I do know that when it comes to exercise, whether you crave routine or you love the freedom of escaping it, schedules lead to success. They help us establish where we need to be, what we need to do, how we will accomplish our goals.

Here are a few tips for scheduling a successful workout routine.

Start with the following questions:

1. How many days a week do I want to work out, and what days will work best in my schedule?

2. How long will I set-aside for each workout?

3. What type of exercise will I do? Plan a specific workout for each day of the week that you exercise. Vary your routine, and make sure you’re including a good mix of strength, cardio, and flexibility.  

Now that you know how many days, how much time, and what you’ll do, it’s time to put it on the calendar. The idea is to schedule your workouts like you do your appointments, your job, and your kid’s activities.

Once it’s on the calendar you are more likely to be consistent, and soon exercise will become a lifestyle rather than a burden or a chore. That’s when the real transformation takes place; where you don't just see results, you feel results.

My trip to Hungary gave me perspective in more ways than one, but what I love is that reinforced that there’s positive side to predictability. Routines are the backbone of our existence, and when it comes to exercise they are the driving force behind our success.

~Angie Miller

Angie Miller is the star and creator of the Bedroom Body™ Workout and other top selling exercise DVD’s. Passionate about fitness and education, Angie teaches at Northern Illinois University and is a Certification Specialist for the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). She is a freelance writer, group fitness instructor, personal trainer, and proud mom. Learn more about Angie at: http://www.angiemillerfitness.com

What do stress, confidence, and brain health have in common?

by Angie Miller

What do stress, confidence, and brain health have in common?

In today’s fast paced society, managing stress is pivotal to good health. Stress can erode our confidence and compromise our ability to think clearly and effectively. So how do we manage stress, build our confidence, and boost our brain potential?  Exercise.

1. Exercise reduces stress. Wayne Dyer says that much of what perpetuates stress is guilt and worry. Guilt about the past and worry about the future paralyze many of us. He calls them unproductive emotions because they prevent us from focusing on today. Exercise frees us from negative thought patterns, the “should haves” of yesterday and the “what ifs” of tomorrow, and instills positive emotions that help us cope with everyday stress. Exercise is like a broomstick to the brain. It clears away the clutter, gives us clarity, and helps us to be present.  

2. Exercise gives us body confidence. Exercise gives us the opportunity to challenge our body and discover our true potential. When we run that extra mile or increase the amount of weight in our workout, we realize how strong and capable our body is when put to the test. Through exercise we gain body confidence and that transfers into every area of our life. When we accept the way we look, it changes the way we feel. That affects how we live our life at home, in the office, and in our relationships. More importantly, it has a positive affect on our internal dialogue, that voice that guides our behaviors and decisions.

3. Exercise boosts our brainpower. According to the latest research, exercise continues to prove itself worthy of more than bigger biceps. Exercise is one of our best lines of defense against cognitive decline. It increases blood supply to the brain and helps us stay sharp and focused. Through exercise we create a relationship between our brain and body, one that fosters a connection that will keep us strong mentally and physically for years to come.

Exercise is a powerful tool. It can give us a lean physique, six-pack abs, and amazing arms. But it can do so much more. Exercise empowers us to look, feel, and live our best life.

Angie Miller

Angie Miller is the star and creator of the Bedroom Body™ Workout and other top selling exercise DVD’s. Passionate about fitness and education, Angie teaches at Northern Illinois University and is a Certification Specialist for the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). She is a freelance writer, group fitness instructor, personal trainer, and proud mom. Learn more about Angie at: http://www.angiemillerfitness.com

Living Life Well

By Angie Miller

How well are you? If you’re in shape, practice sound nutrition principles, and exercise regularly, you’re probably considered fit and healthy. But in terms of overall wellness, what does that mean? Wellness is multidimensional, and encompasses all the areas of our life that add meaning and value. It can guide us to optimal living provided we make choices that maximize our potential. The dimensions of wellness are interrelated, so improved functioning in one area will have a positive effect on another, but balance is important. Three dimensions of wellness, physical, social, and emotional compliment one another well and are especially relevant to living a healthy life.

Physical Wellness: For many of us, if we’re active, love to exercise, and work hard to stay in shape; we see physical wellness as something that trumps all others. We give it a lot of time and energy because we believe in the power it has to lead us to long-term health. But physical wellness isn’t just what you see on the outside. It’s what you can’t see, such as blood pressure, bone density, and cholesterol levels that are just as important, as is how much sleep you get. Physical wellness is the overall condition and functioning of the body inside and out. Without a doubt, it has a profound impact on the other dimensions of wellness, but it alone it can’t make us complete.

Social Wellness: Connectedness and satisfying relationships are central to this dimension. Being able to successfully interact with others and communicate clearly and effectively are also important, as well as intimacy and the ability to trust. When we’re socially well we’re able to turn to others for support, resolve differences in a respectful manner, and practice active listening.

Emotional Wellness: Being able to manage and control emotions is key to emotional wellness. Also, being able to acknowledge and express a wide variety of emotions, anger, fear, sadness, and joy, in a healthy, productive manner. Dealing effectively with life’s challenges is important to emotional wellness, as well as resiliency, optimism, and self-confidence.

Overall, the dimensions of wellness are greater than the sum of their parts. Cultivating our physical, social, and emotional health has a profound impact on our ability to live life to the fullest, and to feel at peace with ourselves and with the world around us.

Thanks for reading,

Angie Miller