Denton County Living Well Magazine November/December 2018 | Page 49

the same level of electrolytes as Gatorade, zero calories
and no sugar, it can be a perfect choice to support your
active lifestyle. Learn more at propelwater.com.
Opt for early workouts. When dark comes early, it
can trick your mind into thinking it’s time to wind down
for the night. Avoid that motivation pitfall by planning
your workout earlier in the day, such as first thing in the
morning or during your lunch break. If early mornings are
daunting, remember that it won’t take long to shift your
sleep schedule and early exercise is a caffeine-free way
to put some energy into your day.
Find exercises you enjoy. Forcing yourself through exercis-
es you despise will only backfire in the long run. If you’re not a
runner, look for other ways to get your cardio pumping. Interval
walking with varied paces and elevation can be an effective
alternative or look at ideas like kickboxing or aerobics that you
can have fun with while working up a sweat.
Indulge in moderation. Virtually every expert agrees that
an occasional indulgence is perfectly acceptable, but use cau-
tion when the fall goodies start tempting. Those warm, rich des-
serts and drinks are filled with empty calories that can make all
your hard work go to waste.
Set realistic goals. Having a long-term goal is a good idea,
but be sure to set attainable expectations for yourself, including
some milestones you can celebrate along the way to keep your
motivation strong. Be realistic about how much time you can
dedicate to fitness with your other life demands so you can set
your goals accordingly.
Don’t skimp on skin care. The sun may not be as hot, but
if you’re exercising outdoors, you’re still at risk for sunburn. Pro-
tect any exposed skin with sunscreen before working out.
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