
There's something about push-ups that makes me feel so accomplished after I've finished a set. The total body exertion gets my heart rate up and I feel stronger after doing them. I like to challenge myself by doing at least one extra push-up than I did the last time, and I keep things interesting by varying the pace of my push-ups.

The elliptical is awesome in so many ways, but it's also easy to cheat on this joint-friendly machine.
Avoiding the handles at different points of your workout will engage your core, but when the hands go, form often follows. Get more out of your elliptical workout with this simple trick.

I'm a huge fan of long workouts. An hour run, a 90-minute bike ride, or a three-hour snowshoe walk in the woods are a few of my faves. There's something about moving your body for an extended period of time that feels so gratifying.

Lately, I have been pressed for time and have been searching for ways to combine strength training and cardio equipment. Trainer
Jackie Warner, of Bravo TV's Workout, shared this tip with
Prevention, and after trying it last night, I am going to share it with you. Add lunges to your treadmill walking workout.

I really don't believe we evolved to sit all day long. Sitting creates tight hips and hamstrings, causes a tight neck and shoulders, and often leads to back pain. If you suffer from these ailments, ditch your regular office chair and replace it with an
exercise ball ($27).

Everyone needs a
break from their exercise routine. I'm a big fan of taking a day or even a week off if I have too many appointments, go on vacation, get sick, or just
don't have time. Sometimes life doesn't allow for a trip to the gym, and it can be beneficial to give your body and mind a little rest.

Daylight savings is tonight and hooray for "falling back." It's so great to gain an hour of time this one day a year, so make the most of it. Don't just go through your day as usual because you'll never even realize you received that extra 60 minutes.

Time on a cardio machine can be mundane, so many of us will grab a book or magazine to pass the time. I personally can't read while working out, but I know many people can't work out without reading.
If you are a reader, consider putting down your reading materials for a few workouts each week and instead really focus on what your body is doing.

You're a busy person with work, family, deadlines, errands, and appointments. Since you have so much going on, when you get home at the end of the day, it's easy just to open your back door and let your dog relieve himself in the yard. Really, though, what you both could use is a long, relaxing walk.

Most of us have a plan of action for our exercises. We move from one to the other and it starts to become very, well, routine. Now, I love routine, but it can get a little boring both for your brain and your body.