SOMA GET FIT.

Orginally Posted by Tracy Hepler of Yourdailythread.com

Each New Year, many of us re-discover our motivation to get in shape, only to have it wane and disappear come spring. Well this year is going to be different—seriously. Rather than setting unrealistic goals, I’m focusing on the day to day and what I can actually.

I sat down with Scott Crawford, founder of Soma Get Fit , an active wellness retreat in Santa Barbara (and my friend and trainer) to see what tips he could share for keeping in shape the whole year.

Tip 1: Keep Moving

Like many of us, I’m trapped behind a computer most of the day. This is a big no no according to Scott. He suggests taking mini stretch breaks 3 to 5 times a day. Whether it’s a simple hanging stretch or a brisk walk around the office. You can even create your own mini yoga or Pilates routine if you have the space. The point is to keep moving, and you’d be surprised how much these breaks not only benefit your body: they’ll rejuvenate your mind and make you a more productive worker too.

Tip 2: Food Matters

You are what you eat so watch AND log it. Most people don’t keep track of the mini snacks they have during the day. Whether it’s a hanful dof crackers or an afternoon cookie, these calories add up. If you have a habit of snacking, Scott suggests using a food journal to write down what you’re consuming. You’ll be able to see the habits that might be sabotaging your workout efforts. He also recommends eating mini meals every 3 to 4 hours and NEVER eating anything when the sugar content is greater than 20% of the total carbohydrates (well almost never as I’ve got to have a cupcake every now and then).

Tip 3: Get Outside

Leave the crack berry, iPhone and iPod at home and head into the great outdoors (or at least a more natural area considering we’re in a city). Exercising outside is not only good for the environment as it uses no electricity (other than your own juice), it releases tension, clears the mind and loads you up on vitamin D (which you get naturally from being in sunlight).

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Tip 4: Morning or Night

I’ve always been curious if it makes a difference whether you work out in the morning, afternoon or evening; it turns out it doesn’t. Scott suggests picking a time when you feel most excited about working out. If you’re not a morning person, you’re not going to feel motivated to do anything early, especially exercise. The key is to make the time that you do work out something you look forward to and enjoy. That is how you’ll actually make the habit stick.

To help keep you in shape, Scott has shared a quick full body exercise program using dynamic stretching, endurance and strength exercises. It’s extremely beneficial for those who sit at a computer all day since it allows your full body to move in three planes of motion. Click here to see the complete list of exercises.

YDT Giveaway: From now until January 31^st you can enter to win a one-day retreat with Soma Get Fit in Santa Barbara by subscribing to the Your Daily Thread daily email or inviting friends to join (if your already a subscriber).

*Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor or medical professional before trying any of these exercises. Your Daily Thread and Scott Crawford/Soma Get Fit are not responsible for any injuries.

Images via smh.com.au, apartment therapy & rachellowry

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