Busy Week = Short Intense Workouts

Hi Philosophers!

Well, I have a big project I'm working on this week with my business, so my time will be even more limited than usual.  This is no excuse to skip workouts.  In fact, it is even more incentive to get my sweat on.  Exercise reduces stress and increases brain function.  In fact, studies have shown that exercise actually creates new brain cells in your hippocampus, the area of your brain responsible for learning.  So if you have studying to do or a new skill to learn, it is in your best interest to work out beforehand to prime your brain for action!  According to the study, exercising will create these new brain cells, but it is up to you to use them or not.  It is true what they say: Use it or lose it.  You have to "fire off" your new brain cells so they know what to do.  If you are not challenging your mind, they will die off, but if you are using your brain, then these brain cells will "spark" into action and be given a job to do.  

Armed with this information, you can be unstoppable, whether you are in high school, college or trying to advance your career.  Even learning a new hobby or activity will put all of your new brain cells to good use. 

I've been reading Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, which is where I read about the study.  It also addresses how exercise can help you with stress, anxiety, addiction, depression and aging.  Not only is it fascinating but highly motivational.  You are going to have a hard time not working out after reading a few pages from this book.  I hope you pick it up!  I'll put a link at the bottom of this page that will take you to Amazon if you're interested...

Today, I'm going to do the Legs and Glutes Burnout routine which is only 8 minutes long.  No excuses!  Take a look at the Workout Schedule for the week to see which other short workouts you can do during your busiest weeks.

Until next time, stay strong, stay motivated, and no excuses!

Monica