Rande's favorite sneakers.
	Warning: Could Be Habit Forming Now that I'm into the groove of exercising there are some things that keep me on track: Playlist on iPod: Old-school: Real Love- Mary J Blige Hip-Hop classic: Talk about the Benjamins- Bad Boys et al Inspirational: Let's Get it Started- Black Eyed Peas Mellow-out: Storm-Lenny Kravtiz w/ Jay Z Fashion Statement Baby blue and creamsickle orange Pumas Difficult "Days of Our Lives" Tune in to "All My Children" or MTV's "Real World" on my gym's TV.

Finding Balance
The Busy Girl's Guide to Exercise

By Rande Bynum, staff writer

Are you a sleepy grizzly bear or playful polar bear in the winter? Whether you use the cooler months to chill or to sweat, getting exercise as part of your schedule can be a challenge.

Exercising is important to our health on so many levels. The list of benefits goes on and on: besides a more toned body, there is heart health, cancer prevention, strong bones, glowing skin, and an overall positive attitude. Finding time and motivation to take advantage of these benefits is the hard part. Here are some added "dimensions" to exercising you may not have thought of to get you motivated.

Sports Equipment

If you are the type of person who needs to be in style to feel good, why should exercising be any different? If looking good will get you going check out these fun factors:

• Fashion Fan
  Sportswear is no longer just gray with white tube socks. Check out the latest sneakers and sweat suits—the colors are either fun and bright or deep and daring. Whatever you chose make sure it gets you in the mood.



• Techie
  Is music your motivation or are you a soap opera junkie? Whatever you are into there is a cute portable something or other you can bring along with you to the gym, the court, or the park to keep you in tune.



• Trend Seeker
  Do you need to be on the social scene with the latest and the hottest? Check out new trends in exercising. If you're into it, someone has created an exercise to match it. If they haven't, jump on the idea and go with it!

Workout/Fake-out

Maybe you never considered yourself athletic. Do you often think, "I'm a little clumsy" or "I'm easily distracted"? Maybe these "fake-outs" are the way to go.

• People Watching
  You can add up your workout minutes walking around town or in your local park. Use your imagination as you pass people on the walking trail or the park bench. Take a detour to the playground and work out your calves on the swing set.



• Boogie Nights
  Are sneakers not for you? Put on your dancing shoes and get your groove on. Whether you are taking salsa lessons or trying to bring back break dancing music thumping can get your heart jumping.



• Babysitting
  Hanging out with those annoying younger siblings or neighborhood kids can have you working up a sweat. They never run out of batteries or creative ways to play. You will find yourself playing tag and hopscotch and catch just like back in the day.

Feeling Good

Now that you have gotten started, check your pulse. No, not the one on your wrist—the one in your life.

• Sound Sleep
  After just a few days of working up a sweat you will notice you are sleeping better and waking up feeling more rested. This will give you the energy you need to get through all the other activities that make up your busy life.



• Happy Days
  Once you get past those initial aches and pains you should be smiling and laughing more. Do a quick poll with friends and family to see if they have noticed the new you with a smile.



• Body Talks
  The long-term physical benefits of exercising are too numerous to list but the ones you will care about right now are evident. Wiggle room in your favorite jeans, glowing skin, and muscle tone are just a few.

Getting started on healthy living is the toughest part. Once you find your motivation try to stay on track through the seasons. You will be on your way to a happier healthier you!

One Step at a Time
Adapted from STUDIO 2B Focus: uniquely ME! Inside and Out

Fitting exercising in your life is as easy as 1, 2, 3…4, 5, 6! On your mark, get set, GO!

Step 1: Come up with an activity top 10 list.

Step 2: Try to be active three to five times a week for 30 minutes or more.

Step 3: Decide what you want to accomplish and look for activity favorites to match up. Possible goals include:

• Lose weight
• Aerobic workout
• Build muscle tone
• Relax and improve

Step 4: Cross-train or mix up your routine so you will be less likely to get bored or injured.

Step 5: Set realistic and attainable goals.

Step 6: Reward yourself when you have achieved your activity goals.

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uniquely ME! THE GIRL SCOUT/UNILEVER SELF-ESTEEM PROGRAM was established in the fall of 2001 to boost self-esteem among girls ages 8 to 14. The uniquely ME! resources are available for all girls.