At FitnessWork (FW), we believe, live and mentor this attitude.

Hey, are you ready to start the day each morning, or do you drag yourself out of bed dreading the activities you have planned? If you have no energy and are fighting constant fatigue, there is hope! There are several ways you can help increase your energy level. Increased energy will help you feel more prepared to handle all of the chaos and stress in your life.

After getting a checkup and ruling out any illness, there are some things to keep in mind when trying to find ways to increase your energy levels. The areas below are tried, tested and proven!

** Breath: How long can you live without air? Two to four minutes maybe! Perform deep breathing, hold, and completely exhale often while walking, sitting or driving. It is FREE! 

** Drink MOSTLY water: Your body is 70% H2O. You may have been harped on  for most of your life about the importance of drinking eight glasses of water per day. It can be tough to drink that much water, but it really does make you feel better. When our bodies do not get enough water they can feel run down due to dehydration. Water helps the body in so many different ways from skin tone, your back discs, to your weight. It just makes good health sense to drink plenty of water. In order to motivate yourself, get six to eight bottles of water and place them in the fridge. This way, you will see how much is left and it may encourage you to drink more. Water has no calories, there is no excuse!

** Exercise generates energy. The first and most important thing you need to do for your body is move more. This is true for so many aspects of overall health, not just increased energy. You might think that increased movement will make you more tired, but it will actually get your energy up and get your metabolism going. It is very hard to begin an exercise routine if you have never had one. But, if you can just force yourself to do some sort of activity every morning. You will find your energy will be increased and last longer through the day. JUST DO ANYTHING! Simple aerobics, jumping jacks, brisk walking, jogging or even an eight minute workout video can make all the difference in the world. Keep working at it until exercise is as much a part of your day as brushing your teeth.

** Eat Smart: Easy to say but harder to do, right? Not really, but again, this is important for overall good health, not just increasing energy levels - how about just preventing a heart attack. Is that good enough reason to put down the fries? Try to add the good carbs into your diet like fruits, vegetables and whole grain breads and cereals. Simple carbohydrates (white bread, muffins, candy) simply generate sugar in your system which can give a short burst of energy but then leaves you lower than you started. Just try to add a few more fruits & veggies to your day, and eventually your tastebuds will welcome them as they do fritos now.

** Sleep: If you are not getting the right amount of sleep (which is between six to eight hours for most adults), then you will have a very hard time increasing your energy levels. However, if you are getting the recommended amount, more sleep is not the solution, it will hinder how much more energy you have.

** Find a hobby: Pick a hobby and/or purpose that compels you to act! And not just a physical hobby like bike-riding or hiking. Staying on the couch and watching TV is not stimulating. When we are just sitting, our minds wander and we begin to feel more tired and depressed. Keeping our minds active is important in increasing our energy levels. Sometimes we feel tired out of simple boredom. If you have some sort of project going on you will be motivated to be alert in order to take action. Having an important purpose is a great energy booster. Many experts believe that depression has its root in the lack of a compelling purpose or future and sometimes things as simple as missing movement in ones life.

** Play! Go to the park, play outside, learn to skate, go fishing, anything that gets you outside. Fresh air energizes you and helps you sleep better.

** Be Grateful: We have so much in our lives here in the USA. Look around the planet. You are Kings & Queens amongst the masses. Realize this now! Be thankful for who and what is in your life today!