Welcome back to my Fit, Fierce, and Fabulous after 40 Fridays!
This week we are answering the question: “What is the best time for me to do my workout – Morning, afternoon, or evening?
I know why I’ve been asked this question so often, because if you’ve got to do the time, you want to make it count. You want to totally maximize on your time in the gym, right? Am I right? Right! You’re a smart cookie.
Here’s what you have to consider. First, you have to think about what time is the best time to space out time for myself where I won’t get a lot of interference. The other thing you have to think about is, “Am I a morning person or an evening person?” You put those things together, and it will bring you to your personal best time of day to workout. That time is when you are going to be most consistent with doing your exercise because it will be the most convenient. That’s where the magic is and that’s what counts. That’s what you have to think about.
If you are a morning person, and you don’t mind giving up some of that precious sleeping time, then morning is going to be the best time for you to workout.
If you are an evening person, and your job cuts off at 4 or 5 o’clock, if you can get out of the office at that time, evening is going to be your best workout time.
Some people have flexibility. If you are a business owner, then you can schedule out your own time. In that case choose whether morning or evening is best for your lifestyle. Maybe even afternoons could be the best time for you. If it is, workout during lunch time then eat lunch.
If none of what I said matters and any time of day will work for you, then I recommend that morning workouts are best for you. In the morning is when you will have the least amount of interference. Studies show people who workout in the morning is most successful. That is certainly my best time.
I love working out in the mornings. Number one, you don’t have to worry like you do at the end of the day or in the middle of the day about getting caught up with meetings or extra projects or getting caught up on the phone. Think about that. I’ve had all of that happen.
In the mornings, what also happens is OMG! You get this burst of energy! You get psyched for the day! You are able to handle those projects, those phone calls, those unruly people in your life very easily and calmly. What’s more is — you feel good. You just feel good! That’s those endorphins that work for you throughout the day. When I don’t get that, it’s like a cup of coffee in the morning for me; then my day is not the same. The next time you think about your day and planning out your workout and what time is best for you, think about that.
The most important thing is that you are consistent and you make it a habit; a lifetime habit. That’s the goal.
My Fabulous Fit Fax!
Choose your workout time around the time of day that works best for you and your lifestyle – You are more likely to be consistent and therefore successful.
If you choose to workout in the evenings don’t let co-workers or the boss compromise your time to get to the gym. Block off your calendar with the note: “Life or death meeting – Must attend” aka “Gotta get my workout on!” Think of it as a life insurance policy. Later everyone including you will appreciate the benefits.
If you choose to workout in the mornings make sure you get in the habit of getting a good night’s rest so you can get up in the mornings. Yes, it’s a tradeoff – sleep for workout, but somebody’s gotta do it! ☺ Smile…It may be difficult at first, but once you establish a routine you won’t want it any other way.
If this was helpful to you, please share it with your friends and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Also get my free eBook on my home page and I will share more tips with you on becoming… Fit, Fierce, and Fabulous after 40.
Until next week…Keep it moving, Baby!
Now I want to hear from you…
What time of day do you workout?
Why? How’s it working for you?
Have you lost your motivation to exercise or be active again? Has age got you cornered and life got you down, because you are just not feeling it? Well if so, let me provide some insight, because I’ve been there and done that. I know what it feels like, and I definitely know what it takes to come out of that funk also known as “stinking thinking”.
My stinking thinking was so bad that at times I almost gave up. I used to give so many excuses for not doing what I was physically or mentally capable of doing. At the time, I thought they were good reasons, because I was afraid and didn’t know how to get out of my own way.
I would say things like, “I’m too tired to workout” or “I have a headache”. Due to my lack of planning I’d say a string of things like, “I was so busy today and I got caught up in a meeting now I don’t have time to cook. I’ll just pick me up some Kentucky Fried Chicken,” which turned out to be nightly, by the way. Many times I would even say, “Whew… I had a tough week so let me celebrate tonight with a movie”. That only gave me the permission to buy pizzas, soda, ice cream, and popcorn. That was my thing. Then I would fall asleep in the middle of it all with a full belly feeling satisfied – well, at least until I woke up. Then I felt fat, guilty, and depressed. This was a continuing cycle for me.
Have you experienced any of these feelings? If you are one of those people like I was always making excuses, I want to give you what I needed at the time – Information and Motivation.
This is your year and its time to get a fresh start! So I am sending a little love and motivation your way to get you back on track. Just to get you jump-started and put a smile on your face dance with me! Just get lost in the movement and the music! It will make your body smile! Watch the video here→
Oh, one other excuse I have heard women say is, I’m too old. You are NOT too old! Forget about what your Momma used to say. It’s a new day and a new way! And you have to set a new precedence for that pathway. You CAN do this!
If you want to go to the next level, don’t forget you can also sign up for my group coaching starting this Saturday for some up close and personal advice on how to get your life back on track.
Motivation is literally the desire to do things. It is a crucial element in being able to attain your goals. Research shows that you can influence your own levels of motivation and self-control. Having said that, it can be a tricky thing, because motivation or lack of it weighs heavily on how you feel as opposed to what logic says. And there are ways to make it work in your favor as opposed to keeping you down, out of sync, fearful, sedentary, and sick all the time.
So to help you figure it out and power through to the point of being where you want to be and who you want to be in order to “Take Back Your Life”, begin with these tips:
Fabulous Fit Fax!
Change your routine often – Develop a workout routine where you are doing something different everyday.
Set small specific goals – Its okay to set a goal of where you want to be this time next year, but don’t make the mistake of stopping there. Break it down into smaller pieces like monthly, weekly, and even daily milestones.
Post a photo – Find a person or body type of where you aspire to be and post it up in a place where you cannot miss seeing it everyday. It will serve as a reminder and keep you on track.
What are your thoughts? Have you ended your stinking thinking and excuses? Were you able to follow along with me on the video? Did you keep going after the video ended? Remember it’s only to get you up off your butt and get you started. Feel free to post your comments below:
You know what? I just have to say something because I keep hearing over and over again these words, “I don’t have time to eat breakfast.” Really? I say, Make time if your health is important to you!
The other thing I hear is, “I had such a busy day. I’m too tired to workout.” And again I say, “Don’t let a busy life get in the way of a good workout.”
I know…I know what you’re going to say – Easier said then done Right? Well as you know I never like to tell you what not to do without giving you a plan on how to fix it.
So listen in on the segment I did yesterday (Jan 23, 2015) on TV with San Diego Living 6 – The CW shot live from 9am to 10am. I give tips on how to get your breakfast and your workout on!
In the meantime, be sure to leave your comments and thoughts with me.
Shout out to The CW for making me feel right at home! Tiffany you rock! And Mark you are going to make amazing progress this year! I just know it! I’ll be watching. 🙂
Many have asked the question – Where do I start? Breakfast is where you start. You must break your fast – Fast!
“People skip breakfast because they think they’re cutting calories, but in truth you are setting yourself up for failure because you are starving your body and causing it to increase or sustain weight gain. Your metabolism actually slows down and you tend to eat more later in the day. Plus your energy becomes erratic which is why many complain of lack of energy to not only do your workout but merely function during the day.
According to The National Weight Control Registry People who habitually eat breakfast have maintained a 30-pound (or more) weight loss.
Other research conducted found that regular breakfast eaters were more likely to exercise regularly. And women who ate breakfast regularly tended to eat fewer calories overall during the day.
Fabulous Fit fax!
Start your day with two glasses of water with lemon
Eat a light breakfast that includes protein and a good carb. Some examples are: Carbs – low sugar cereals, oatmeal, and fruit. Proteins – eggs, yogurt)
Always carry healthy snacks with you (like nuts and fruit) so you keep your energy up and you don’t mindlessly nibble on the wrong stuff.
Remember to take one step at a time by developing one new habit at a time. I always say start small and go BIG, but be patient and you will win every time – You’ll reach your goals effortlessly! No Really! ☺
Have you decided to Take Back Your Life yet? I urge you to forget about those resolutions you made. They don’t work! Instead set new intentions for yourself. Begin with asking yourself: What’s is the one thing I want to happen for me this year?
My new intention is to bring more life, power and wealth into my brand, my body and my health so I can enable, enrich and effect more lives.
My newest January 2015 cover shoot has set precedence for that already.
Thank you BOOMERS LIFESTYLE Magazine for making me your COVER GIRL!
Now for my Fabulous Fit fax!
After you have clearly defined what your new intention is use the following steps to keep them in check.
Start with setting your weekly (not yearly) goals.
Each week plan to accomplish two to three things you will do to make progress towards that.
Check your progress by reviewing what you did that week and repeat.
Lets hear from you now! What have you done so far with your goals and intentions this month? Feel free to post your comments below:
As the year 2014 comes to an end I hope that you’ve accomplished some of the things you set out to do.The end of the year is a great time to review the past so you can plan for the future.Are you ready to take your health to another level?
Have you been daydreaming about getting your body in great physical shape? Seriously, can you even think
of a better way to go out with the old and begin with the new in 2015?
I promise you everything else in your life will get better if you begin with your health first! Personally, my plan is always to step up my game each year because I don’t want any regrets. How about you?
I live by this serenity prayer, which gives me strength and I wanted to share it with you:
GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY to accept the things I can’t change,
COURAGE to change the things I can and WISDOM to know the difference.
Find your strength in 2015 and move forward.
YOU DESERVE IT!
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COMING SOON! My Secrets on how to: Burn Fat Faster and Transform Your Life Forever!
Wendy Says:
“Sometimes your power and strength comes through others by way of support and guidance, but you
are the ultimate decision maker.” Make the decision today and you can be on your way to changing your life forever!
How did you do with your Holiday meal last week? Did you try some of the tips I gave you to help keep those calories down? Remember every little bit helps. For those of you who did try it and dropped me a note on how you did…GOOD JOB! It’s a great start!
If the tips didn’t work for you this time because you just LOST YOUR MIND 🙂 that’s ok too. You know why? It’s the Holiday! Keep reading and I will tell you how to make up for that in a moment.
First let me ask if you’ve set some healthy new goals for yourself yet? If so, send me an email or Facebook me so I can help you get started. I have definitely set my own new goals for the coming year. Two of my goals are taking my body to a new and exciting level and the other is to meet new people and create significant relationships and partnerships.
I actually started that process recently when I had the opportunity to share the stage with Stedman Graham (Oprah’s man) this month. He and I graced the opening of the WIN (Women’s Information Network) event the first day, while John Gray (Author of Men are from Mars & Women are from Venus), and others spoke the following two days. What a great event!
I urge you too, to get a head start on setting goals and making some healthy life changes. Also, look out for my 8-week group coaching program and fitness challenges coming soon!
Now let me tell you how to make up for over eating last week.
Fit fax! By Wendy Ida
Everyone is bringing in Holiday joy that will sneak up on you so watch out for office nibbling. The calories will add up fast. Instead bring in your own snacks so you won’t be tempted.
Do a juice cleanse for 3 to 5 days.
Go back to a normal eating regimen with only one goody per week.
Now I want to hear from you! What are your personal fitness goals for 2015? Feel free to post your comments below:
I wanted to share some of the tips I use to keep fit this time of year. But, first let me say this…
I am so excited for the holiday season that I get all gitty like when I was a little girl. I guess that’s because I still am a little girl at heart. 🙂
But let me tell you what else floats my boat and drives me over the top with all the holiday cheer. It is the fact that I absolutely LOVE getting together with family and friends. I love sitting around the thanksgiving table feeling the common bond and seeing the smiling faces. I love eating the home cooked meals and sharing great stories of the good old times.
I cherish these times like gold – knowing also that I am in the moment creating new memories to look back upon and laugh about in the future.
It brings me special joy that literally drives me to help others create similar joys in their own lives by way of rebuilding their health & body. For this I am grateful!
Also…
I want to give “THANKS” to BFW (Beauty, Fitness and Wellness) Magazine for making me the COVER GIRL in your latest October issue!
As promised here are some of my favorite tips to help avoid the Holiday pounds
First off we have to get in a good workout, the day of, in fact the week of Thanksgiving! Then…
Be strategic in your food choices.
Eat more veggies than meat and potatoes
Eat less gravies and sauces
Limit alcohol to one glass, then replace the alcohol with green tea.
Use smaller plates (or an over-sized saucer) and don’t pile the food on. Sample only your favorite foods and pace yourself — eating slower will help you eat less.
Do not store the goodies! Give it to the homeless! Anything like pies, cakes, cookies or ice cream left over after the party, you must get rid of while you are still full from dinner and in your right mind. 🙂
That’s the fax! Try ’em and overall, you will eat less, feel better and consume fewer calories.
Now get out there and kick butt…YOU CAN DO IT!
What are YOU thankful for this year?
Let me know how my tips worked for you by emailing me or posting a comment below.
Welcome to Strive to Thrive! Strive To Thrive was born out of our collective need to find answers. We are committed to inspiring people of color to make positive life changes through the creation of healthy lifestyle event experiences and content. The Strive To Thrive platform and events will provide resources and tools to support growth in the following areas: health, fitness, financial literacy, spirituality, community building, and relationships. To kick it off we created an original web series called First Step on Black Voicesand a multi-city Strive To Thrive Tour that will inspire and motivate people to Strive to Thrive in every aspect of their lives: mind, body, emotion, spirit, community and financial literacy.
Wendy Ida (ee’da) is a Strive to Thrive expert. At 61 years old, Wendy has overcome great adversity to be where she is today. After an abusive marriage, she began working out at age 43, lost 80 lbs. and changed her life. She is now two-time Guinness World Record Holder, 8-time award winning National Champion in the NPC Bodybuilding and Figure Championships and is a Nationally Certified Master Fitness Trainer, Coach, Speaker and Best Selling Author of “Take Back Your Life! My No Nonsense approach to Health Fitness and Looking Good Naked! She’s been seen on NBC’s Jeff Probst Show, CNN, Fox Sports Net, ABC News, KCAL 9, KTLA 5, Essence Magazine and others.
Now she is living her purpose and on a mission to change lives around the world. Wendy says, “It’s never too late to Take Back Your Life!”
In Episode 1 of First Step, watch the inspirational story of how she struggled through a physically, mentally, and sexually abusive marriage to a police officer, and strived to break free from the pattern of violence.
Stay tuned for Episode 2 of First Step , and witness how Wendy thrived in changing her body, shattered the chains of her past, and ultimately became a true heroine for women all over the world who think it’s too late to start fresh.
Share this story with friends, family, and loved ones!
ESSENCE had an amazing team and I was so honored to be asked to be part of it. They paid attention to every detail and made sure I was well taken care of.
There is an overabundance of processed foods and fast foods that make it easy for most people to gain weight these days.
Unhealthy food choices and lack of exercise further complicate the process. The average American lives a very sedentary life style and as a result carries around poor body image and low self esteem because of it.
Gaining weight is a process that happens over a gradual amount of time so it is no secret that it takes time to lose it as well. Understanding the process is important for your success. Understanding how to begin your journey is also important. Follow some of these basic guidelines to start and end up on the right track.
Start out slowly and introduce one healthy habit into your life at a time
Prepare sound nutrition for your body type – Seek a professional for guidance
Participate in fun activity daily
A reasonable approach seeks to lose a steady amount of weight over a gradual amount of time. In this way the body is able to maintain health and slowly use its stored fuel without feeling like it is being starved.
Be kind to your body by staying proactive with health issues
See your doctor yearly and before beginning any exercise program
Slow steady progress is the way to permanent weight loss and health.
Most people these days are familiar with the importance of losing or maintaining weight. All of us know that junk food, over eating and late night snacking are key factors that help in either gaining or losing weight. But only a few of us know the importance of our mood and the role it plays in weight gain or loss. A typical example is if you are stressed, you might tend to not eat at all. Or if you are having a hectic day you might choose to feed your exhaustion or mood with junk food. To help you avoid those traps, let me give you a few key points that can help better your mood — which can directly lead to weight loss.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has proven to be of great help when it comes to soothing your mood and weight loss. Aromas that can help you in soothing your nerves are orange, peppermint, vanilla and grapefruit. So have these oils with you and pour a few drops in a handkerchief. Then whenever you’re not feeling so great, just sniff the handkerchief. It will calm your nerves and sooth your mood. Then perhaps you won’t eat out of stress.
Avoid Negative Company
Every person has an aura of energy, if you are surrounded by people who are stressed, tense or confused then you are more likely to be influenced by their energy as well. It can change your mood and quite possibly prevent you from reaching your health and fitness goals. So if these kinds of people surround you, then it is important to limit their presence and try to surround yourself with people who emit positive energy. Once you have healthier energy and your mood is better, you are more likely to stick with your goals.
Think Positive
In life, it’s your attitude that plays the biggest role in being an achiever. If you have doubts or think you may fail, then you probably will. It becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. Somewhere along the way you sabotage your plans, goals and yourself. On the other hand if you embark on a weight loss campaign with a “Can Do” attitude you’re more likely to achieve what you set out to do. So think positive and it will soothe your mood. It will also help you to live in the moment while accomplishing each task successfully and therefore create a winning outcome.
The New “You”
To stay motivated and in good spirits envision what you would look like after you lose weight. Find an old picture of yourself that you wish to resemble once again or a current day hero you want to look like. Once you set that image in your head, imagine what you will be wearing and even how you will smell in it. You can even make or buy an outfit in a smaller size to serve as a reward when you reach your goal weight. This will help you de-stress and keep you motivated towards your goal.
So the next time you decide to set new weight loss goals try to adopt some of these tips and tricks to render you a higher success rate. While medical and genetic history can play a part in weight gain or loss there is also no doubt that mood is a proven mainstay and directly proportional to your weight loss. The more you keep calm, the more you will have control over your weight!
Now I want to hear from you…
I will lead you in performing some of the circuit training exercises. 
Unhealthy food choices and lack of exercise further complicate the process. The average American lives a very sedentary life style and as a result carries around poor body image and low self esteem because of it. 
