Need a break from your novel? Been writing for hours on end at your computer eating every writer's four basic food groups; sugar, salt, caffeine and sugar? Here are a few ideas on how to mix up your daily routine of writing and get some exercise in, instead of another trip to the refrigerator.
1) Although helpful you don't need a gym membership to stay healthy. Crunches and Push-ups are free of charge. They also work wonders for releasing tension or aggression towards your writer's block or plot problems.
2) You don't have to do 100 pushups a day or 200 crunches to start seeing results. Start small. Just like writing we work our way to the end one word at a time. Start with 3 sets of 10 crunches and 3 sets of 10 pushups. It will only take a few minutes out of your day plus it will start the blood pumping and synapsis firing for that great ending of your novel.
3) These exercises will tighten and build muscle but if you want the tone shape we all see on TV, your going to have to cut back on the red velvet cupcakes and cherry pie.
4) As writers we have discipline, or else we wouldn't be writers. It's time to use that discipline and start portioning. You can still eat, just limit yourself. Maybe instead of that second helping we hold it to one, halving your meal portions will work wonders for your calorie intake and cut back on the poundage.
The following links have some great visuals on doing a proper pushup and crunch. Next post I'll give you a more of a detailed workout plan courtesy of the main character in The Beast Within, Connor Moore.
CRUNCHES http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xyd_fa5zoEU
PUSHUPS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh00_rniF8E (These can also be done on your knees, for a less intense pushup.)