End Muffin Top! Get A Workout Plan That Works - Even If You Hate Exercise

About a year ago I quit my full time retail management job so that I could spend more time with my kids.  Which was great, but the problem with that has been that when I was a manager, I ran around all day.  Now that I am home more, I spend a lot more time sitting on my rear end. 

Guess what happened?

I started gaining weight... and then gradually I got muffin top.  I was very frustrated, but I couldn't get myself motivated to get on a workout plan, even though I had a YMCA membership.  Let me tell you.... this was not the happiest time for me when I looked in the mirror.  But I finally figured out how to get motivated, and now I am fitting in my jeans again and feel a lot better about myself.  Here is how I did it.

One of the most important things I've learned about putting together an effective Iworkout plan is to make sure that it works for you.

Personally, I hate group sports, but I am very goal oriented and competitive, so I found that working out with a friend on equipment that gives me feedback works the best for me. I have a love affair with the elliptical machine, and always make sure I get to the next 100 calorie count before (or at least do better then my friend) before I get off.

For you it may work better to do an at home workout plan where you can do it around your schedule. Resistance training with adjustable dumbbells is a great way to get results fast at home.  It all depends on your personality.  I am not motivated enough to workout at home, but if your schedule is tight it may work for you.

I know this is obvious and everybody says it, but if your workout plan doesn't feel like working out then it will be easier for you (or at least it is for me).

I have found that one of the best ways to get some extra exercise in is to spend some out of doors time with my kids.  In the summer I like to ride bike, go swimming, and go canoeing.  In the winter I love to go sledding - and if that is not a workout I don't know what is. 

It was kind of a big DUH moment for me when I realized this, but hey better late than never :)

Beyond all the other things I did to get a regular workout plan going, I have to say that learning how to enjoy the moment really helped almost as much as anything else.

I know it is all Zen and everything, but when I workout I really try to focus on how good I feel right then (and I used to be completely anti-exercise) and I have found that doing that really helps me to get to the next level and stay in shape. 

Working out is fun and interesting.... if you let it be.

Happy muffin top reduction!