Quick workout tips from Denise Austin

Strapped for Time?

Having trouble squeezing in your workout? Try these tips from other busy Fit Forever! members:

• Set your alarm to go off a half-hour earlier than everyone else's, and get your workout out of the way first thing!
• If a mad morning rush leaves you with no time, try getting everything ready the night before (including lunches packed and clothing set out).
• Don't be afraid to delegate some household tasks to other family members and make time for exercise! You shouldn't try to do everything all by yourself.
• Cut down on kitchen time by making double recipes and freezing half for a quick heat-and-eat meal another day!
• Take your kids to a school or park and walk laps while they play or go on a bike ride together.
• If you can't fit in one 30-minute walk, break it into three 10-minute jaunts throughout your day.
• Tone up with fidgetsizes! Do butt squeezes in the elevator, leg lifts at your desk, leg squats while blow-drying your hair, tummy tucks while watching the news, etc. Do what you can, when you can.
• Think small! Even if it isn't a full workout, five or 10 minutes of movement is better than nothing!

Java at the Gym?

If you think having a cup of coffee will help you get through your workout, think again! In fact, a recent study found that drinking the equivalent of two cups of coffee before exercise actually hindered blood flow to the heart during a workout! Less blood flow means less oxygen-rich blood fueling your energy fire. The researchers who conducted the study say that while caffeine does have the ability to make you feel more alert mentally, it won't increase your athletic performance.

So what's the right way to jumpstart your workout? The researchers suggest skipping that cup of joe and opting for water instead. Eating well throughout the day and getting enough sleep at night will help too, they say. This study confirms what I've said many times before: Don't look to an outside solution — like caffeine — for a boost. If you want more energy, give your body the nutrition, rest, and movement it needs!