Are you feeling like you’re not getting enough out of your cardio exercise? Check out this article that shares ten tips for more effective workouts.

One thing that I’m particularly guilty of is not planning my meals correctly around exercise. Eating too close to your exercise can adversely affect your results. Particularly eating immediately before can cause a competition for blood supply and energy between your digestive system and the muscles you’re exercising.

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WikiHow had a great post on how to get six pack abs. What I found interesting is that there are no gimmicks, funky devices or expensive training programs. Five simple, daily exercises are the key to a strong stomach.

• Crunches
• Leg Lifts
• Sit-Ups
• Jackknife Sit-ups
• V-Ups

For a detailed look at each exercise, check out the article.

In addition to these exercises, keep in mind that a good diet needs to be a part of your lifestyle. Maintain a steady metabolism by eating in small portions steadily throughout the day.

I saw a great article on BodyBuilding.com about the effects of Green tea. Just like you heard in the Snapple commercials, it comes down to epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG. There is research that these ingredients in Green Tea lead to increase in the body’s ability to burn fat.

I recently started substituting green tea for coffee and the effects have been really positive. I feel more alert and my metabolism has noticeably increased. Unfortunately, it does lead to more restroom visits.

As a software developer, I’m at my computer for extended periods during the weekday. All knowledge workers should be aware of the problems that can be associated with extended periods of time staring at computer screens while seated. Ergonomics and taking regular breaks should always be in mind

I found a great article on exercises you can do to break the repetitive stress you place on your body while at your desk. My favorite suggestion is the wrist stretch for people working primarily with a computer:

This is an all around great exercise to do at work, particularly for those working on computers. To perform this stretch you want to extend your arm in front of you with your palm up and then grab the fingers on your other hand. Gently pull hand down to stretch the forearm, and then repeat this with the other side.

Also, if you own a Mac, there’s a great program called AntiRSI to remind you to take regular breaks

I was looking for a site that offers instructional exercise in a digital format. Enter ITrain.com. This site is sweet. Complete with workout programs and subscription packages, you’re bound to find a plan that works for you.

Think ITunes for your exercise regimen. There offer a number of great programs including boxing, strength training, and stretching. This is a great way to get started on the right track. Their founders are credible including Grace Lazenby, a fitness trainer with 15 years of experience

Download full workout programs to your IPod at affordable prices. What a great idea!

Did you set a New Years Resolution to lose weight? Fitness.com has a great article to get you on the right track. In short there are 5 tips to starting the year off right:

• Log What You Eat - Pick up a nice Moleskine notebook and log what you’re eating for a few days. Prepare to be surprised - there’s a lot you probably don’t account for.
• Question WHY  you need to eat or drink - Is it really because you’re hungry or thirsty or is it something else? Psychology plays a significant role in achieving a fitness lifestyle.
• Don’t Starve - Your metabolism just gets all messed up. Additionally, you’re less likely to burn fat as the body is tricked into thinking that it won’t be fed for a long time.
• Don’t Eliminate Your Favorite Foods - you’re in it for the long haul! Learn to enjoy your favorite foods in moderation, but if you take them out your life completely it’s bound to cause you some frustration in the early days.
• Exercise - This is pretty obvious - but I’d go further - find something active that you like to do. Go for walks with your spouse/significant other, work in your yard, or revisit a sport you enjoyed in your high school days. Every little bit matters.

What better way to get started with exercise than incorporating into things you already do? The American Heart Association has a great informational page about incorporating Physical Activity into your daily life. Some of my favorite suggestions were:

• Park farther away at the shopping mall and walk the extra distance.  Wear your walking shoes and sneak in an extra lap or two around the mall.
• Walk or bike to the corner store instead of driving.
• Brainstorm project ideas with a co-worker while taking a walk. (I’ve actually found this to help my thought process)
  

These may seem silly, but this is a great way to get started with an active lifestyle. To establish good habits, start small.