By Jeanette Jenkins
Halloween is a great time to party with your friends, have a freaky cocktail and laugh at all the crazy costumes. And in the spirit of the season, I am challenging you to spook some of those little demons that keep you from getting the out-of-this-world body you deserve.
Frightening flab? Ghastly glutes? It’s time to exorcise those fitness demons! Here are some of the most common ones:
DEMON: Evil excuses.
Every weekend you swear you are going to start working out on Monday, but then it just doesn’t happen. You have every excuse in the book for not exercising.
EXORCISM: Make a fitness date.
Schedule all of your workout times in your planner and specifically list the activity you'll do. For instance, you could write:
*Monday 7:00 a.m., walk/jog 30 minutes
*Tuesday 6:00 p.m., strength train at the gym
*Wednesday 7:00 a.m., Pilates DVD at home
*Thursday 6:00 p.m., spinning class at the gym
*Friday 7:00 a.m., walk/jog 30 minutes
DEMON: Chained to your desk.
Every evening you plan on going to the gym but you are so caught up in work there is just no way you can get away from the office.
EXORCISM: Break free.
Even if you run your own business or have a high-level position, you still need time for yourself. The work is never, ever going to be completely done, so accept that and learn how to walk away when the day is over. When you respect your schedule, others around you hopefully will too, and they won’t expect you to always work late.
DEMON: Devilish diet.
You start out eating healthy on Monday and Tuesday but by Wednesday you cave into the pizza or carrot cake. It's all downhill from there. You’ve sabotaged your diet and fitness plan.
EXORCISM: Allow for an occasional sinful sweet.
It is normal to have cravings for delicious foods that aren’t so forgiving to the waistline. One cheat meal or dessert does not mean you have to give up on healthful habits during the rest of the week.
DEMON: Witch's brew.
If you’re in the habit of having a drink or two to relax at the end of a long day, keep in mind you could easily drink hundreds of calories that way.
EXORCISM: Explore alternatives.
Consider some of these other ways to relax:
*Sign up for an evening yoga class.
*Soak in a warm bath.
*Create a soothing sanctuary with candles and incense – no ghosts or goblins allowed.
What's your scariest body part? Take our reader survey.
