Whether you're getting bored with your usual workout routine, or you are ready to jump start your fitness program, SparkPeople's 7-day Bootcamp Workout Plan can help you get real results! I created this 7-day workout plan for people of all fitness levels. It's called “Bootcamp” not because it’s highly intense, but because it involves daily exercise and commitment. That may sound daunting, but each workout can be tailored to your own fitness level, and you also get to pick activities that you enjoy.

How it Works

• Do one video (below) each day. Each video will only take you 10 minutes or less to complete. For some of the videos, you'll need dumbbells (but if you don't have any, you can improvise with some easy-to-hold household items like soup cans or beverage bottles). If you want to work harder or increase the intensity, use a heavier weight and/or repeat the video one or two more times.
   
• Do five 30-minute cardio sessions per week. You pick the activity and intensity and anything goes! (Get over 110 cardio workout ideas here!) You can walk, bike, jog, jump rope, swim, do a fitness class or video—anything that gets your heart pumping! The more variety, the better! If you're new to exercise, aim for 30 minutes (or as close to that as you can manage, gradually increasing over time). If you've been at it a while, go longer—up to 60 minutes per session.

  Read more: 7-Day Bootcamp Workout Plan

It cannot talk yet it speaks to you. Some days it makes you giddy with delight. Other days it puts you into a deep depression. It judges you on a superficial level. The thought of it is enough to worry even the most optimistic person. What am I talking about? The notorious bathroom scale.

What is with this obsession we have with the scale? For most people, the scale can be an adversary or an ally, depending on the day. We often hate what it says or argue with it, but we still feel the desire to use it. When used properly and taken for what it is, it can actually be a very useful tool for weight management. But for many, the scale does more than measure the total weight of all your various parts. It somehow defines who you are as a person. And sadly, it can determine your own self-worth. We read way too much into this single-purposed tool.

Here are four signs that you might put too much weight on weighing in:

1. You constantly worry about weighing in.
When you're trying to lose weight, it's normal to experience some hesitation when it's time for your weekly weigh in. After all, you want to see the numbers go down as confirmation that all of your hard work has paid off. We all want to be rewarded for our efforts, and it can be discouraging when you have done everything right and things still don’t pan out. However, if you find yourself preoccupied with worrisome thoughts of what the scale is going to say tomorrow or the next day, then you might be a little too obsessed with the scale.

READ MORE...

Sure it might be tempting to eat an entire box of chocolates, splurge on a romantic dinner or skip the gym in favor of a movie this Valentine's Day, but you don’t have to let your love life derail your plans to get fit this year. With these workout ideas for couples, you and your partner can spend quality time together while you stay on track to reaching your goals in February and beyond.

The Benefits of Exercising with Your Partner
The two of you may be at different fitness levels and have different goals, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t exercise together. There are plenty of reasons to give it a try:

• Safety. With someone else watching your form and being there to spot you when you need it, you’ll exercise more safely than if you were alone. Besides, who cares more about your safety than your soulmate?
• Quality time. Couples spend most of their time apart due to careers and other responsibilities. Instead of hitting the gym alone, plan a workout time that fits both of your schedules. You’ll reach your fitness goals, without sacrificing that one-on-one time that every partnership needs.
• A common interest. Add exercise to your list of shared interests and hobbies. The possibility for new, unique activities is endless and keeps things exciting. You can never have too much in common.

  Read more: Workout Ideas for Couples

Chocolate and moderation used in the same sentence? I know, it sounds crazy! But these calorie-controlled chocolate fixes will satisfy your cravings without putting a dent in your calorie budget. No longer do you need to resort to fat-laden, triple-chunk fudge brownies to satisfy your chocolate desires. These days, plenty of portion-controlled, fast and even healthful chocolate snacks are available, making it easier to say no to the double-chocolate sundaes of the world without feeling deprived.

Although this list shouldn't be taken as a message to eat chocolate anytime, it will give you plenty of delicious lower-calorie options when you do choose to take care of that hankering for chocolate.

Quaker Chocolate Crunch Rice Cake (60 calories)
Rice cakes are a satisfying answer for any chocolate lover. You won't believe that one crunchy and crispy cake has just 60 calories!

One packet Nestle hot cocoa mix made with water (80 calories)
Sometimes we crave temperatures just as much as flavors. Warm up with some hot cocoa. Mix it with water to save some calories on your snack, but if you have the room in your calorie goal for the day, try it with skim milk. It will add about 90 calories to the snack, but you'll get more protein, calcium and vitamin D!

Read more: 27 Sensible Ways to Satisfy Your Chocolate Cravings