you ask, i answer

I get great e-mails from you guys. I read each and every one of them, and enjoy hearing your stories and motivational words. They really make my inbox and insides happy. Along with all of your stories and kind words, come a lot of questions. I figured it would be fun to answer them on here. This will be the first post of the "you ask, i answer" series...

Q: What is your exercise routine?
A: For me, this is what I've worked up to over time...

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday:
Elliptical: 60 minutes
Arms: 30 minutes
Abs: 20 minutes

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday:
Elliptical: 30 minutes
Stair climber: 30 minutes
Legs: 30 minutes 
Abs: 20 minutes 

Arms:
Equipment: Free weights
Weight: 12.5
Sets: 5
Reps: 15
Moves: Lateral raises, front curls, side curls, Arnold press, tricep kickbacks

Legs:
Equipment: Leg extension, leg curl, leg press, hip abductor, hip adductor, hamstring curl
Sets: 5
Reps: 20
Moves: Squats, jumping squats, lunges

Abs:
Equipment: Dip station, hyper extension bench, 10-pound weight, mat
100 crunches on the mat
60 knee raises (20 left side, 20 right side, 20 front) on the vertical knee raise/dip station
90 hyper extension crunches with 10-pound weight (30 left side, 30 right side, 30 front) on the hyper extension bench

I love two-a-days, but realistically they don't fit everyone's schedule. It's important to be realistic in changing to a healthy lifestyle. Don't overwhelm yourself with intensity and a huge goal. You have to see a light at the end of the fitness tunnel, right? So ease into it and work on little goals at a time. You'll get there in time with work and dedication.

I recommend cardio every day. It keeps your endorphins flowing, knocks off calories, and boosts your metabolism. Alternate days for arms and legs so your muscles can heal. I like doing abs every day though. It's just a personal preference.

I also recommend signing up for a gym that fits your budget. Knowing that you are paying for a membership makes you more apt to get your booty to the gym. Gotta get your money's worth, right? It's good to be surrounded by people with the same goals as you. You can even make some new friends. The classes are fun too!

Besides the gym, it's great to get outdoors too. I love hiking. It's challenging and provides great views once you reach the top.

Working out becomes more enjoyable over time, and will eventually become something you look forward to. Really! I don't see it as a pain. It's simply part of my day and it makes me happy. It's all about your outlook. So put on some cute workout clothes, click on some good tunes, and get going!