Tips for Motivation to Become Fit: Wear a Pedometer, Use Wii, and Walk for a Fun Workout

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By sholland10

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Motivational Tips to Lose Weight

It is that time of year when we start shedding our layers of clothes and start wearing shorts and summer shirts, and - shall I hope - the bathing suit. After packing it on while stuck in the house all winter, it is hard to get those endorphins moving into that motivational direction for losing a “few” pounds. Here are some easy ways to motivate yourself to do a little bit more each day toward attaining your weight goal:

Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer
Amazon Price: $21.00
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Omron HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer with Advanced Omron Health Management Software
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Omron HJ-151 Hip Pedometer for Aerobic Activity
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1) Wear a Pedometer

I find when I clip a pedometer on my belt or the waist of my pants that I compete with myself each day trying to “up” the steps. Every step counts, and the pedometer makes you think about how many steps you take. Before you know it, you will be walking faster, dancing around the house, and marching in place while at work. You will be amazed at how much that little pedometer motivates you to keep moving, which burns those pesky calories. It is money well spent.


Wii Fit Plus with Balance Board
Amazon Price: $73.99
List Price: $99.99
Wii Fit with Balance Board
Amazon Price: $65.00
List Price: $89.99
Wii Fit Plus - Software Only
Amazon Price: $11.97
List Price: $19.99

2) Use a Wii and get Wii Fit to go along with the standard games such as tennis and bowling.

With the Wii Fit board, you can do yoga, aerobics, strength training, and balancing. It will help you set a goal and you can keep track of your weight. If you like to watch TV or movies, you can set it up to step on and off the Wii board. It counts your steps and estimates the calories burned. You aren’t just sitting there watching TV; you are toning up for the oncoming summer wardrobe. With the Wii, you feel more like you are playing than exercising. Again, money well spent, and much better than buying into a gym membership that you may or may not dedicate yourself to all year long. Also, wear the pedometer. It is fun to compare.

Slow Gardening: A No-Stress Philosophy for All Senses and All Seasons
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Easy Gardening: No Stress, No Strain
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3) Look outside.

The leaves are returning and the grass is growing. Maybe you would like a small garden. Gardening is a motivator that produces food and flowers, but it also takes off the calories and reduces stress. So put on your sun-block, a big floppy hat on, grab your gloves and go play in the dirt.

4) Walking - Take Advantage of the Weather

While you are looking outside seeing a lovely sunny day with a light breeze, get outta that chair and go for a walk. See what is new in the neighborhood or town. Take the pups with you so they can enjoy the day, too. Don’t forget to wear your pedometer.

The thought of losing weight can be depressing. But if you can find a creative way to motivate yourself into an activity or activities, it can be fun to put some move into your missing groove. Remember, a little each day is helpful, and the more you do the more you will want to do. Have fun and good luck!

© sholland10 2011. All rights reserved.


Comments

Denise Handlon profile image

Denise Handlon Level 8 Commenter 12 months ago

Good tips. It's somehow easier to get out and walk during the summer than the winter months and I do use a pedometer.

Great answer, BTW re: using the dictionary in class. Good for you! Likewise, I make my nephew do the same thing.

Nice to meet you and welcome to hubpages.

sholland10 12 months ago

Thanks, Denise. I don't like to go outside to walk unless it is 70 degrees or above. Ha! I would love to be like some of my friends who are addicted to running and go out rain or shine, hot or cold. Since I am not, I have to motivate myself by competing with myself with the pedometer.

I appreciate the comment about the dictionary. Kids do not learn as well unless they know how to do for themselves.

Nice to meet you, too, and I am excited about being on hubpages.

tammyswallow profile image

tammyswallow Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago

These are excellent motivational tips. I find I always make excuses, it is either too hot or too cold. I always work out with my ipod but I think your suggestion for a pedometer would help. Thanks for these tips!

sholland10 profile image

sholland10 Hub Author 4 months ago

Tammy, I am the same way. The pedometer really does help!! :-)

nifwlseirff profile image

nifwlseirff Level 5 Commenter 3 months ago

I need to start wearing the pedometer again, and track my steps! Useful tips!

sholland10 profile image

sholland10 Hub Author 3 months ago

Nif, I love wearing a pedometer. It keeps the competition with myself going!

Thanks for dropping by! :-)

Fiddleman profile image

Fiddleman Level 5 Commenter 6 weeks ago

Great hub and advice. A pedometer is a great idea and a good one relatively inexpensive.

Phil Plasma profile image

Phil Plasma 6 weeks ago

I had been wearing a pedometer for quite some time and then just stopped, for whatever reason. Thanks for writing this hub, it has reminded me to get back to it.

Voted up and useful.

hectordang profile image

hectordang Level 2 Commenter 6 weeks ago

Haha, the Wii workouts are so fun! Even my parents, who rarely exercise, like to play!

sholland10 profile image

sholland10 Hub Author 6 weeks ago

Fiddleman, thank you. I appreciate you dropping by! :-)

Neil Sperling profile image

Neil Sperling Level 5 Commenter 6 weeks ago

When i get the urge to exercise - I run a HOT HOT tub and climb in. The hot water builds up a natural sweat to release impurities from my body.. then for my cardio - just before I get out I pull the plug and fight the current until the tub is empty. :-)

good hub

sholland10 profile image

sholland10 Hub Author 6 weeks ago

Hi Phil! The pedometer is a fun way to set goals and to compete with yourself. Anything that makes exercise fun is motivational for me.

Thanks for dropping by! :-)

sholland10 profile image

sholland10 Hub Author 6 weeks ago

Hector, yeah, even we "old decrepit" parents enjoy the Wii. LOL Actually, on our 26th anniversary, my husband and I got the Wii to exercise and have fun. :-)

Thanks for dropping by!

sholland10 profile image

sholland10 Hub Author 6 weeks ago

Neil, I like your style. I may have to add a capsule with your advice. ;-) LOL Thanks for dropping by! (Nothing like a hot bath to get the blood circulating. :-))

vocalcoach profile image

vocalcoach Level 7 Commenter 2 days ago

Walking works wonders for me. Not only does it keep my weight in check, but I have more energy and just plain feel better. Your terrific hub has a good variety of tips to motivate us all. Voted up, across and sharing!

sholland10 profile image

sholland10 Hub Author 2 days ago

Thanks, Audrey! Walking is so good for us. The hard part is the motivation. I am glad you walk and it makes you feel good. That is wonderful!

Thanks for dropping by and the votes and shares! :-)

Sueswan profile image

Sueswan Level 8 Commenter 2 days ago

Great tips.

I walk to work and home from work which works out to 80 minutes a day.

Voted up and awesome.

sholland10 profile image

sholland10 Hub Author 23 hours ago

Sue, that is wonderful! I know your heart and body love you! Thanks for sharing your inspirational daily exercise routine! :-)

Thanks for dropping by and the votes! :-)

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