I’ve never been a very active person. When I was little, while my friends were outside crawling all over the jungle gym, I was inside working on craft projects. In high school, I was more than thrilled to be able to get out of gym class for two years because of a problem with my right knee. While my classmates were running around in sweat pants throwing balls at each other, I was happily sitting in the library reading. I still don’t like psychical activity. (And I still prefer crafts and books to running and throwing balls.) I know it’s necessary to keep my weight down and my mood up, but every day I need to talk myself into exercising. I hate gyms, and I prefer to do my workouts in the privacy of my own home, that way no one can see the strange faces that I make and I don’t have to worry about bumping into someone I know.
Lani Muelrath’s book Fit Quickies: 5-Minute Targeted Body-Shaping Workouts was written for people just like me. Her “Fit Quickies” are short, simple exercises that can be done whenever and wherever you like. There are 14 exercises in total, and they target those hard-to-tone areas, such as the belly pooch and the muffin top. There are explanations on why the targeted areas can become a problem, as well as facts on the functions of each area. Each exercise takes less than 5 minutes, so “I don’t have time to exercise” is no longer an excuse. Fit Quickies include instructions on how to do each move, photos to show just how they’re done, stretches, variations, tips and modifications. If you have more than 5 minutes, there are plans for creating Fit Quickies routines, including a 10-minute workout plan and a full-body workout. The great thing about having your exercise routine mapped out in a book is that you can take it with you where ever you go – whether you’re on vacation or away for work – and you don’t need to worry about having special equipment with you.
The book talks about why exercise is so important for both the body and the spirit, and there is also advice on how to keep yourself motivated, which has always been a big issue for me. A chapter on the basics of plant-based diet nutrition is also included.
Fit Quickies author Lani Muelraht is an award winning fitness expert, and she specializes in helping people who struggle with health, weight and energy levels transform their bodies. She understands the problems that people have, as she herself has been there. She overcame her own lifetime struggle with weight over more than 15 years ago when she lost 50 pounds, which she has maintained easily with the tools that she uses to coach others to be successful with in weight loss, body shaping, and health.
Lani is graciously giving away a copy of Fit Quickies to one lucky Chic Vegan reader. Follow the instructions below to enter. The contest ends at midnight on October 15th, 2013. U.S. residents only.
I’m lazy, but when I work out, I do it properly…but I need help with it! I need to focus on how much working out is important to my body and I need an inspiration…someone like Lani who will inspire me for sure!
I love learning new ways to live a more healthy lifestyle, so this book sounds fabulous!
I’m always looking for great fitness tips and books!
i want this book because i want to be healthy and strong for the rest of my life!
I hate to exercise but I can do anything for 5 minutes
If I can work out using some short cuts all the better!
I’m so passionate about fitness since changing to a vegan diet about a year ago. My new lifestyle has caused my Fibromyalgia symptoms to reverse!
With this book, I will stop complaining about not having enough time to workout — and workout!
I used to be very active as a teen…riding bikes playing outside. Running track and playing basketball. Time,life and kids came and my needs went to the wayside. They are grown now so it’s me time. Would be a great kickstart to get me going again.
I would love to have tough workouts to fit in at various times of day to combat sitting-all-day-itis.
I mean to start exercising everyday and this book would be a great incentive!
I love books.. and I need to add some exercise to my routine. Seems as if the author and I share some DNA, and I would benefit from it.
I want to learn more about getting and staying healthy!
I have a long commute to work, so I don’t have a lot of time OR energy. A quick workout I could do at home or at work sounds like a solution. I’d love to have this book.
I’d like this book to try to get some quick workouts that I can do with my physical limitations of fibromyalgia, rhumatiod arthritis, episodic ataxia type 2, migraines, depression, PTSD, among others. I don’t like going to a gym, and this book seems like it would be helpful to give me a variety of ideas for home.
This looks like it would be ideal for days when I’m short on time.
I’d like this book because I don’t have an exercise routine at the moment and have trouble finding the time to go to the gym
As I get older it is harder and harder to keep the weight off. I walk, ride a stationary bike but can’t lose, I am anxious to try something new. I want to feel sexy and strong again.
I want this book to successfully integrate exercise into a very busy life!
I am always interested in finding new ways to stay healthy and strong!
I’d like this book because I can’t seem to find the time (or money) to go to a gym.
I don’t know how many times I have started a workout routine and then stopped it because it took too long or was a short but way too intense workout for my fitness level. My kids have hinted at not wanting a fat mommy and being vegan has helped that to a degree (damn, vegan desserts!) But I still need to strengthen my body so it will last for years to come. I believe that this might be the first step (or possibly the missing piece) to a fully healthy lifestyle. Not just eating healthily (vegan and limiting desserts) and being spiritually balanced (I do a lot of volunteer work), but being physically strong with it.
I started riding my bike for half an hour in the am and pm. 4 weeks later, it’s time to kick it up a notch!
I would like to exercise more and build strength to help stay functional while being chronically ill.
Healthy living is a composite of many things, but starting with a whole nutrient-dense, plant-based diet. With that as the foundation, I try to layer in yoga and meditation for my mind and body, reading and life-learning to keep my brain fit, cardio fitness and weight-bearing exercises, and helping others. This book seems like a fantastic adjunct to a generally healthy lifestyle and I love the idea of doing exercises at home, especially when I am doing a lot of cooking! There just never seem to be enough hours in the day but, perhaps, with Fit Quickies……YES!