WORKOUT WEDNESDAY The Beginning
So how, you may ask, did Workout Wednesday begin? Like Josie mentioned, she believes in balance and that extends to her outlook about her company. How can we possibly be making products that are good for you outside without focusing on the beauty within? How can we support each other in caring about the world around us without looking at our own lives, too?
And so, eight months ago, Workout Wednesday was born at Josie Maran Cosmetics. We huffed and puffed our way through it at first, but over time we saw change. Sure, it was fun to share a plate of cookies at the lunch table, but it was even sweeter to support each other in becoming stronger and healthier; To get each other through running around the block and up the stairs rather than bowing out.
So here is our advice to starting your own Workout Wednesday or Tuesday, or even every other Monday:
-First, start by making simple changes for yourself. Take the stairs, park a little further, pick a grocery basket over a cart. Yes, there are some here who workout more than once a week, but even those who don't have seen changes in their strength, endurance and health simply with one hour a week of activity.
-Find a lunch buddy who will share in healthy choices. Perhaps you bring a big salad and they bring soup to split. Meet each other for a water break to get your proper fill. Or stock your drawer with nutritious snacks like raw almonds or whole fruit that can be passed around. Whatever the small change, share it.
-Finally, dedicate one day (or more if you can!) to movement. That means a workout, a hike, a walk around the block, or dancing around your living room. Find what is best for you, but most importantly—stick to it.
All you need is to begin.
How do you stay healthy?
Leave a comment and your email address and we'll select one on Friday, September 16 as the winner of an Argan Sun Protection for Body.
30 Comments
Reader Comments (30)
I eat natural foods and do physical therapy to help with my arthritis.
I also believe in beauty from the inside as well as from the outside. I love to do yoga and pilates. I eat organic food and stick to a mainly vegan diet. I use eco-friendly cleaners and bring my own bags to the market. I also use natural makeup and skincare....I just bought more Josie Maran argan oil....it's one of my faves!!
I stay healthy by working out every other day and watching what I eat and how much I eat. I've lost 80 lbs since high school (I'm 23 now) and I've never felt better! Some tips I'd love to share with everyone are:
1) Cut out soda for an immediate weight loss
2) Don't deprive yourself from any foods, you will just binge after! Have a little bit :)
3) Never think you are not worth it. Being healthy is the most valuable thing in the world!
Hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week and weekend!
I stay healthy by eating whole, natural foods (most of the time, that is!), by exercising several days a week (yoga, weightlifting, interval training, etc.), and by spending quality time with my fiance!
The way I stay healthy (and push myself to be even healthier) is very simple: I don't give up. If I eat too much one meal, or even one day, I start over the next. If I find I haven't exercised for a few days (or weeks - it happens), I get myself back on track. If I look in the mirror and only see things I don't like, I remind myself of what I do like. I refuse to give up on my life. :)
I have fallen in love with Bikram Yoga. It's an amazing challenge for both the body and mind. Every time I leave the yoga studio I feel like a huge weight has been lifted.
I was at the grocery store yesterday and decided to try out new health foods with high fiber since I believe colon health is very important. Its easier for me to make different health food choices. I'm looking forward to the walks with our new puppy to get me out and walking more! Can we say thank goodness Fall is almost here!
i usually start my day with a bag of chips and some bubbly soda. the rush usually gets me going right away. jusssssst kidding! my meals are usually morally driven, having been a vegetarian for 19 years, i prefer my animals living. this decision in and of itself leads to a healthier lifestyle. i'm also very aware of the environment, the government and our horribly screwed up food system. organic is the way to go. and the mind just doesn't function properly without throwing in a challenging exercise program. nothing like burning up some aggression while sweating it out! lastly, i don't buy over-processed junk... let's be honest, if it's here and i'm in a moment of weakness, i'll eat the whole damn thing.
I stay healthy by making sure I eat the best foods possible. I don't eat an all organic or natural diet, but I'm reasonable. If I want a cookie, I will eat one only once every few weeks (when I get a craving!) but I never eat fried foods or frozen meals. I make sure to always eat fresh fruits and vegetables, lots of salads, good pastas, and lean meats. I also make an effort to walk everywhere, every day, even if I can't workout. I even walk back and forth home during the middle of the day during my breaks because it's perfect exercise and it's important to keep moving!
I ride my horse as many days that time allows. It is great for my physical as well as my mental health. Riding is like therapy for me.
I stay active with my kids, to show them the importance of staying healthy. Love weight training and pilates, too.
I live by the saying: "You are what you eat". To me, it's all about coconut water, spring water, fresh veggies and fruits from the farmer's markets, wild salmon 2x/week, a comforting lentil soup for when it's cold and rainy outside, a delicious watermelon for when it's hot and humid. I do pilates, I play tennis, and whenever I have an opportunity to walk, I take it. Oh, and I rub argan oil on my face and body every day.
I am so excited about this page because I have been needing motivation to get healthier. I have always been very healthy eating organic, raw, fresh foods whenever possible and was always very active. However, since the start of 2011 I have been lazy, demotivated and it has really taken its toll on me physically aswell as mentally. Thank you Josie and the team for reaching out and wanting to help others.
I stay healthy by scheduling my workouts in my planner, it's an appointment that I can't cancel. Also when my children get home from school we do outdoor activities or play sports.
I've fallen in love with spinning! At first, I thought it would bulk up my legs and wondered how much of a workout would i feel? But boy was I wrong! It not only is a great workout but it is the highlight of my week! I am trying to do more than twice a week but cant seem to squeeze in an extra day or two yet with my hectic schedule! Right now I'm grateful to be able to do two days a week along with my daily morning walks!
I receive an organic produce box every Monday, which helps us eat healthy at home rather than eating out (we don't want to waste the produce). I excercise 6 times a week by going to group fitness classes or exercising at lunch during my work days.
I used to eat whatever I wanted and rarely work out because I have a high metabolism. Now, I've done a lot of research on foods and how lots of food can really be bad for you, not just because it's "junk" food. Even things that are masked as healthy really aren't. I've recently joined the gym, and go once or twice a week. I've started eating a lot healthier. I make my own juices and try to avoid things that are not organic or too processed. I'm not doing it for the weight loss, I'm doing it for my health.
I recently found out that I have high levels of the Epstein-Barr virus antibody, which can cause chronic fatigue. I think the only way to combat it is to make positive changes in my lifestyle. I have a long way to go, but I think I'm off to a good start!
We live in a small town and my kids and I walk almost everywhere we need to run our errands - no vehicles if possible!
I gained 15# when I moved from the east coast to Wisconsin. Then another 15# the first two years of veterinary school. Finally as a third year veterinary student, I grew tired of excuses and stopped making excuses, weather it was lack of time or money. I always make time for the 4 legged creatures in my life, it was time to make time for myself. I bought a new pair of sneakers and started running and eating less processed foods. Im about 4 months in and I feel better than I have in a long time, even with the stress of my impending first solo surgery next week and weekly exams.
This blog post is a great tip, start small. Even the little things count (that is a saying that holds true even in my career :)
I try to make sure the majority of food I eat is healthy, exercise and keep a positive outlook.
Step one: Eat yummy healthy food
Step two: Don't blame yourself for cheating a little
Step three: Walk and smell the roses (a lot, usually at least briskly for half hour each day)
Step four: Say something nice and smile! It's empirically shown that overall wellness is improved by physiologically making yourself more open.
Thanks, Josie!
Protein shake and jazzercise!
As a first time pregnant mom, six months along the journey I find myself taking small hikes along the majestic trails here in Kauai, Hawaii, baby in belly and boyfriend in tow. We also try to incorporate a bit of meditation and yoga throughout the week, but my most ideal workout lies in an afternoon swim. We live mountainside, but make our little adventure to a nearby beach which is known for it's soothing rock pools. Easy to wade around, enjoy the sun and get a bit of exercise in. Living on an island we are in the sun everyday, we drink coconuts to stay hydrated and buy local organic produce from the farmers markets. All in all, the most important part of staying healthy is not going it alone. Companion, colleague or old friends, gotta do it together!
The nature of my job requires me to stay on my feet for at least 7 hours, but whenever I get days off, I try to get up early and go for a run. Throughout the week, I try to pack healthy lunches and snacks for myself.
My family and I stay healthy by eating well balanced meals with the right portion size. We keep healthy snacks in the house and I am always on the look out for healthy, TASTY recipes. As a family we stay active by getting the kids outside and either going to the playground or playing a sport(tennis, basketball, catch, tag, jump rope). We are trying our hardest to keep our family eating healthy and being active, not always easy but alot of fun times.