Starting Line

"So many fail because they don't get started-they don't go. They don't overcome inertia. They don't begin." -W. Clement Stone

I realized this morning that most people on this planet haven't exercised in months or even years. My sister is one of those people. She enlisted my help about 2 weeks ago to get into shape. Long term goal: run a marathon this spring. Pretty sweet goal if you ask me.

Anyways, I had to start her workouts differently. Most notably, everyone wants to do cardio-they think that is the quickest way to lose weight. Well in case you haven't figured out, like with the economy, or the broken window in my car, or just life in general, quick fixes never work (unless they involve duck tape). 



So if you're a beginner, here's the starting line. It's time to build some muscle before you go hit the pavement. Every pound you lose before running takes pressure off your knees. Every muscle you strengthen before running stabilizes your joints and prevents injury. So here is a little workout for you. My sister lost 2 pound in 1 week following my plan, so I'd say so far so good. The key is to start slow and as begin to get used to the workout push yourself.

Walking Lunges ( 2 min)
Straight Leg Kicks (2 min)
Slide and Glide (1 min)
Relax (2 min)

Repeat 4X:
Push ups (1 min)
Sumo squat with press (1 min)
Russian Twists (1 min)
Side Lunge (1 min)
Lying chest press ( 1min)
Opposite arm/leg supermans (1 min-switch sides at 30 sec)
Side plank (1 min-switch sides at 30 sec)
Relax (1 min)

Crazy Ivans (2 min-switch sides at 1 min)
Lower back stretch (1 min-switch sides at 30 sec)
Standing Hamstring stretch ( 1 min/leg)
Pretzel stretch (1 min/leg)

This workout is actually courtesy of Nike Training Club, which is good for inspiration, though gets boring pretty quick.