Move, move, MOVE

Losing weight is tough no matter how you look at it.  During menopause, it's a bit tougher.

One thing you need to remember is to keep moving.  If you can, join a gym.  A gym can be great because of the variety of classes, strength training machines and the built in support system.  A gym is also a good option if you live in an area where exercising outside all year round isn't an option. 

If you can't swing the added expense of joining a gym, another good choice to keep you moving, while being able to stay in the comfort of our own home during the winter months, is a video gaming system.  Xbox and Wii have terrific games that challenge you in your weight loss journey while making it fun.  Personally, I have a Wii.  Right now, it's in the 20s outside, so I pop in my Wii Active or Fit Plus or Biggest Loser Challenge.  The Fit Plus keeps track of my weight, BMI and any activities I do.  I'm also thinking of getting an Xbox to give me even more choices.

If you can't afford any of these things, remember that you can walk for free.  When the weather permits, I walk 2 1/2 to 5 1/2 miles a day.  I love my iPod and use it faithfully.  Nike has a device that you can plug into your iPod, and with a chip that goes into your Nike sneakers, it keeps track of your workouts.  At the end of a basic workout, the device tells you how many miles you walked, how long you walked and how many calories you burned.  I love that it challenges you to do your best without being obvious about it.  When you hit a milestone like longest distance or fastest time, the voice of Tiger Woods or Lance Armstrong comes through to congratulate you.

Another way to get more exercise out of your everyday life is by parking as far as possible from your destination.  Going for groceries?  Don't choose the closest parking spot.  When you're done, the groceries are in your cart, so you're not lugging heavy bags the extra distance.  If you have only a bag or two, leave the cart at the door.  Carrying the extra weight will make you work harder.  Going to the mall?  Why do you need to park close to the entrance?  Instead of waiting for a close spot to open up, park in the farthest part of the lot.  You'd be surprised how many miles you walk without even trying (I've used my Nike+iPod to check this out and the results are amazing!).

Another way to exercise without exercising is to dance.  You don't even have to go out.  Don't just stand there while doing the dishes....shake that butt!

And now for a harder option.  Take the stairs!!!!!  In New Jersey, I live on the second floor, so home isn't too much of a challenge.  In Florida, I have a condo on the fifth floor.  I take the elevator when I get there (can't carry all that stuff up five flights!), when I finish grocery shopping for the first time of the week, and when I'm packing up my car to leave.  Other than that, I use the stairs.  Up and down five flights of stairs a few times a day is a great workout.  I also like to challenge myself by going as fast as I can.  I've beaten the elevator quite a few times.

Take the dogs for a longer walk, take the kids for a walk, jump rope, ride a bike.....use your imagination!  All you need to remember is to keep going!!!!