Let me start out by saying that I am very much pro exercise. It has been proven to be extremely beneficial in lots of ways. It not only helps you to look and feel better, but it also strengthens your bones and improves mental capabilities. I think the new standard recommendation is 30 min. (at least), 5 days a week. (Talk to your Dr. about what's right for you.)
That being said, I don't know many people who are willing and able to schedule that into their day. I mean really, 30 min. is really not much. How much time did you waste today on facebook? EBay? Surfing in general? or even worse, sitting on the couch watching something you had absolutely no interest in watching? But, Even though 30 minutes really isn't that much, I sure don't want to get up 30 min. early to exercise. I can't even get up when I should, much less 30 min. earlier. So, I prefer to take a more natural approach to exercise these days. It comes in the form of walking up and down my stairs 800 times a day (slight exaggeration). I pic up my children often and carry them around, even up and down the stairs (always use the handrail). I park at the back of the parking lot. I am on my feet all day, walking around, moving, being very active in general. None of the things I do is a substitute for a good cardio workout, which is a beautiful thing. I do love to feel the burn and there's no other feeling like the glow I get after a great work out, but this is all I can handle right now. I need to read someone else's blog that speaks to folks who need help fitting in workout time.
I know from experience a few things about exercise.
- Once you've made it a habit, it's addictive.
- Even if I don't want to do it, I'm rewarded for just getting up and doing it anyway.
- The endorphins are wonderful.
- Feeling physically strong is very empowering.
- Good shoes really do make a difference.
- Do not eat a single bite of food after you work out until you drink a tall, full glass of water. You probably are not starving. You likely just need to replenish your fluids.
A few thoughts...
I do not exercise to try to undo poor eating habits. I do not exercise to loose weight, I already weigh what I should. I do not exercise so that I can eat food that is not good for me. I do not exercise as penance for eating the wrong foods.
When I exercise, it's for my health. I exercise to be strong and healthy. I do it because it's the right thing to do and because I like it. I like feeling strong. I feel cleansed when I sweat.
Exercises is extremely helpful, possibly essential, if you are trying to lose weight. But try to keep a good mindset about exercise. If you dread it and resent it you will not see the results you need to see. If you use it to equalize bad food choices, you will not get ahead of your calories. You might stay even, but you will not loose the weight you want or need to loose.
Find a workout that you like and that you are well suited to.
If you like to dance, join Jazzercize.
If you like to run, go for it.
If you hate to run, don't.
Try swimming if you don't like impact sports.
If you want to quiet your mind, try yoga.
If you love your dog, take it for brisk walks.
Need to get out some aggression, sign up for kickboxing.
There are so many choices. There really is something for everyone. And don't forget your strength training. Ladies especially forget about this one and it can be detrimental to your health. For strong bones you need resistance training. Don't worry you will not bulk up. Try it, you will be glad you did.
When you find a form of movement that you enjoy and that feels right to you, it is no longer a chore to exercise. Exercise is no longer the enemy. Instead, it becomes a pleasure and something that you look forward to. You can be proud of yourself every time you get up and exercise, knowing that you are helping yourself stay strong and healthy.
There you go. My thoughts on exercise. I'll leave "the rules" to someone else.
Thanks, Tammy! Wish I had some stairs :)
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