A new year...

Happy New Years everyone! This is the time for a fresh start to our everyday routines we have created through 2012. Maybe you have some bad habits you would like to change? Most of us just want to be happy and healthy.

My resolution, like most people, is to get fit! I currently take Zumba classes twice a week, but currently I am doing nothing to tone my muscle. As of yesterday, I am dedicating myself four days a week at the gym: 2 cardio, 2 weight training. Here is the schedule I came up with:

Monday:

Upper body

Arms (bisceps, triceps, forearms, shoulders): 15 reps, 3 sets each muscle

Abs (frontal abs and obliques): planks (5 sets, 30 seconds each), crunches (50)

*I don't want to work my chest because I don't want anything to get smaller! :P

Tuesday:

Zumba (1 hr. cardio) 

Wednesday:

Lower body 

Legs (hamstring, calves, glutes, quads): 15 reps, 3 sets each muscle

Back (upper and lower): 15 reps. 3 sets each 

Thursday:

Zumba (1 hr. cardio)

Looks easy on paper, but will it be once I get there?! We'll see!

If your New Years resolution is just to be happy in 2013, remember these key facts:

1. THINK POSITIVE! When you go around thinking the best, you will feel your best. If you are a naturally prone negative thinker (like myself),a good strategy that I have learned is to write down your thoughts. Every time you think something negative, write it down and then write down a positive next to it. Carry around a little notepad throughout the day and see how much you do in fact think pessimistically. Once you get in the habit of following your negative with a positive, those negative thoughts will soon become positive :)

2.STAY CONNECTED WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY! This boils down to having a good support group for yourself. Whether you are feeling sad, happy, mad, anxious, calm, scared...whatever, having someone to talk about those feelings can increase your sense of being, worth, and overall state of mind. It's good to relate and know others feel things you do. Talk it out!

3. SMILE! It is a known fact that when you smile, your mood is elevated. When you smile, your muscles release endorphin's in your body. Endorphin's are the body's natural pain relievers. They act like opiates to reduce pain and bring about a feeling of euphoria and well-being. So smile! :)