Kids are back in school

That means it's time to take care of yourself

Now that you’ve got the kiddos back on the bus and in school it’s time to get back to you. But what will your report card say about your progress? Do you manage your time well?

Are you eager to learn? Here’s some tips to ace your own report card.

Takes initiative

Just like first day of school jitters, you may be a little nervous about getting back on the scale after a summer of too many Mai Tai’s and s’mores but a starting point is essential for goal setting.

I recommend weighing in once a week, the same time of day each week, before working out or eating.

Take your measurements (using a cloth or fiberglass tape) once a month. Sometimes you won’t see any weight loss on the scale but you’ll see it in your measurements. That’s still great news! You’re toning up and heading toward a smaller size even if the scale doesn’t budge!

Chest: Measure around the fullest part of the chest/breast area. Ladies, remember you are not necessarily losing inches just in the front but the unsightly “overhang” area in the bra-line area too!

Abdomen: Place tape level with your belly button.

Hips: Measure around the largest circumference.

Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of the torso.

Thigh: Midway between hip and knee so you measure the same place each time.

Triceps: Midway between shoulder and elbow.

Doesn’t manage time well

Don’t worry, you can still turn this negative comment around by the next marking period. It’s hard enough to manage all the kids’ schedules with field trips, after school activities and ortho appointments, let alone pencil in some time for yourself, but if penciling in your spin class or gym time is what it takes to get serious, then do it. If you think of your workout times as important as a business meeting or doctor’s appointment, you’re more likely to show up.

Try some of these fun timesavers to help manage your precious time. Go to fitday. com to track and analyze your progress.

If you have a smartphone try these highly rated free and inexpensive apps:

MyFitnessPal.com, a free app that keeps track of your calories and nutritional intake. So, if you’re scarfing down too much sugar or not getting fiber you’ll know it.

Gym Genie, from iTunes (.99 cents) has over 600,000 combinations of workouts.

GymGoal, from iTunes ($3.99) contains animated exercises, various tracking options from body measurements to cardio and strength workouts. It will even let you know if you’re neglecting a muscle group, based on your exercise history.

Sports-Tracker.com, a free app for those who love to play outdoors. Analyze your performance, store your training data and even utilize map calculators to log distance and speed performance.

Is eager to learn

You are the teacher’s pet! You’re eager to learn new things on your own. You delve into trusted websites like eatingwell.com to get the scoop on easy, tasty and healthy new recipes and snacks. When you want to learn how to do a Bird-Dog or Hay Bailer you head over to acefitness.org.

Sometimes you need a little nudge or want to know what real peeps are wearing for comfy workout gear so you chat with other peeps like you at sparkpeople.com.

When you’re bored you don’t head to the fridge but log onto prevention. com/braingames for a fun diversion.

Never completes assignments in allotted time

Your teacher doesn’t have a clue here because there is no allotted time to complete this assignment. When you’re trying to get in shape and eat healthier there is no deadline.

This is a process that often involves baby steps and an ample amount of time to meet your goal. Rushing on this assignment by participating in quick, fad diet plans or lofty fitness goals will only lead to re-doing the same homework over and over until you finally give up and fail. Just like school, you need to show up, pay attention, have fun learning, enjoy recess and eventually graduate into your new healthy lifestyle!

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