by A. South

Created on: April 05, 2010

Think you know everything there is to know about health and fitness? Think again.  Here are seven tips, tricks and reasons to get in shape for good. 

1. Check the benefits of sweating solo
Group classes are all the rage, but it might be worth it to try a solo session.  Try a one on one session with a physical trainer to help you learn what moves would benefit you and help you reach your goals. If you normally cycle, hike or run with a group, ditch them at least once a week to help you touch base with your pace and learn to push yourself without relying on the group.

2.  Quit already!
Need motivation to quit smoking?  Go to the gym!  Research shows that when smokers are presented with cigarettes after working out for 15 minutes, they were six percent less likely to light up.

3. Start the day with motivation
Instead of an obnoxious ringtone as your alarm clock, download a motivational message to get you out of bed from MyWakeUpCalls.com.  If you start the day with motivation, you’ll be more likely to hit the gym instead of the snooze button.

4.  Hit the weights!
If you have neck and back pain, the answer might be lifting weights.  Studies show that lifting weights and strengthening your shoulders and necks helps relieve neck and back pain.  Plus, toned shoulders!

5. Cut off the tube
Studies show that people who watch less TV burn an extra 119 calories a day.  If you watch five hours of television a day or more a day, chances are you could be burning more calories. Crank up the burn by doing jumping jacks during commercials and stretching during the shows.

6. Wanna dance?
Don’t limit yourself to strictly traditional workouts.  Running, lifting weights and aerobics classes are great, but breaking out of the gym helps beat fatigue.  There are lots of fitness dance videos out there that will teach you to move your feet while burning calories.  Try hula dancing, salsa, hip hop or even ballet.

7. Blast belly fat
Sick of your middle?  Studies show that there’s no magic pill, those who worked out 40 minutes twice a week lost more belly fat.  So stop wasting time looking for an easy way out and get moving!

8. Get a dog
Studies show that families who have dogs weigh less!  A dog will give you a reason to get out and take a walk, play Frisbee and enjoy the day outside.

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