After the big day, many brides ask that same question, wondering how to stay motivated and keep active now that they are no longer planning for the biggest day of their lives. I am here to tell you that it is absolutely possible to stay motivated forever (just like your marriage).

Here are a few tricks to get you going:

Cocktail parties, office to-dos and family outings:
Sit down in your war room -- be it your living room, office or bedroom -- and pull your calendar. Make a list of all the events and special evenings you have planned for the next six months. Are you going to a reunion? Is there an upcoming office party that requires a new cocktail dress? How about a romantic evening with your husband that requires lingerie? There are a plethora of events to chose from so with pen in hand put them in your calendar. Use them as motivation every week and ever day. You will be amazed at how many things you have to work toward.

Now that you know your goal dates, begin working backwards. What would you like to accomplish by those dates? Did you gain a few pounds on your honeymoon that you want to lose by your next big work presentation? Is there a new outfit that would look great on you if you only added some definition to your calves? Be realistic and be honest. Armed with this knowledge you can continue to maintain and even reach new goals.

Everyday activity
The best way to stay fit is simple: live a fit, active life. Research shows that getting 20 extra 5-minute activities during the day can burn an extra 300 to 400 calories. You don't even need to change into your workout clothes or break into a sweat. Simply turn once sedentary tasks into active exercises. The list below gives you an example of many of the activities you can do every day to increase your calorie expenditure. I am sure you can add a few of your own as well.

• Park far away from the grocery store/ mall
• Get up and talk to a co-worker instead of emailing
• Stand up while speaking on the phone
• Take laundry up the stairs in a few loads
• Take a quick walk around the block after dinner
• Sit on an exercise ball instead of a couch while watching TV
• Use TV commercials to do lunges, squats and sit-ups
• Vigorous housecleaning and gardening

While none of these activities should replace your workouts, they will certainly help you burn more calories and boost your energy. Think of them as a bonus to your daily workouts.

 

Source: http://sheknows.com/about/look/5348.htm