Slim Down this Spring

(ARA) -- Warm weather has arrived, which means you're shedding clothing and looking for ways to lose some of those extra pounds that accumulated while you hibernated away the winter months.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults do moderate to intense aerobic activities for at least 150 minutes a week. That translates into 30 minutes for five days a week, or just over 21 minutes for seven days a week.

But the warm weather means busier schedules, so you need to find a way to fit short workouts into your hectic days.

Here are some ideas to take advantage of spring and summer weather and fit the recommended exercise you need to maintain your health into your schedule.

1. Arrive at work early and park your car at the farthest spot away from the door. Then walk briskly around the parking lot once or twice before heading inside (depending on how large your parking lot is). The fresh air and blood pumping will help you to wake up and get ready for the work day. If you're a little more ambitious, carry small hand weights or use weighted bands around your ankles and wrists to build and tone your muscles.

2. Turn your errands into a workout. Create your weekly shopping list and head out to the grocery or department stores. But don't just concentrate on the items on your list. Take you cart and walk up and down each aisle. Or if the weather is bad, head over to the mall and get a few laps in while window shopping.

3. Try something fun from your childhood. Remember how much exercise you used to get when swinging a plastic ring around your hips, arms and neck? Sports hula hooping takes the fun one step further, helping you to burn 110 calories with just 10 minutes of activity.

Try a weighted hula hoop like the Acu Hoop from California Sports Hoop, Inc., which helps to build cardiovascular fitness and muscles in addition to burning calories. The circular motion promotes correct body alignment and proper posture in the upper body. Plastic sculpted bands prevent the hoop from sliding down your body so you can quickly get into the rhythm of your workout.

"The best thing about hula-hooping," says personal trainer Rosemary Torres, "is it can be done anytime, anywhere."

4. Turn housecleaning into a workout. With a little bit of music, a broom, dustrag or vacuum cleaner, you can make housecleaning more enjoyable, tone your muscles and accomplish one of those dreaded chores. Cleaning windows is great for the arm muscles, while vacuuming gets the entire body burning calories. Once again, if you're feeling ambitious, add the weighted bands around your ankles and wrists for a more challenging workout.

For more information on the weighted hoops offered by California Sports Hoop, Inc., or to place an order, visit www.sports-hoop.com or call (866) 700-5668.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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