Share the Health - Introduction
Share the Health - Stress
This has been my biggest struggle and I can only assume I am not the only one. In the beginning the idea that a ‘body in motion, stays in motion’ was great but I couldn’t seem to get over the pain of simply being in motion, which is why for so long I stayed in ‘a body in rest, stays in rest’. My turning point was when I accepted that I can do a little at a time and I stopped betting myself up when I took a ‘day off’. You see, when I had a good physical healthy day I wanted to enjoy every minute so I played tennis and ran miles until I pass out. I was aiming too high and it took my body 2 days to recover. This caused a circular series of disappointment, lack of results, frustration, and soreness - I was hurting myself more than helping. After years of playing this game I focused on aiming lower. As anti-inspirational as that sounds it was in fact the best thing I did. I gave up the idea that I had to be Jillian’s little experiment and took exercise one step at a time, literally.
Before I tell you what I am doing currently let’s talk about why my older theory was wrong and remind us what our gym teacher attempted to teach us. You do not have to be a physical trainer but keep the basis in mind:
Exercise…
Increases confidence and self esteem
Increases muscle strength Increases
Endurance Increases oxygen and nutrients to your tissues
Improves Sleep (1 of the other 4 focuses for Healthy Living- stay tuned)
Increases metabolism
Increases arousal for women (better sex life)
Decreases erectile dysfunctional in men (better sex life)
P.S. If the last two benefits are not enough for you then I don’t know what is!
I’m sure a health expert could add more to this list but, geez, if you need more than 3 of the above reasons to get off your ass - then this post will not help!
- It’s too much work!
- Right! Because our ancestors got anywhere in life by sitting on their ass and wishing their way into this country – don’t get me started
- It’s not for me!
- What’s not for you? A crowded gym, softball, walking your dog, spin class, Wii games, hiking with a friend, playing soccer with your kid, or biking to the store? I’ve only listed a few and if none of them strike an interest then stop reading and call Jillian – I can’t help you!
- I can’t afford it!
- Do something for me – add up your lattes, alcohol, Rx drugs, impulse buys at Target, and the Oreos in your pantry and then give me another excuse! Listen, if you still don’t have money for a gym then don’t buy it! Google is a powerful tool for finding something you can do at home, buy a DVD (your latte cost the same), walk the dog, softball league, free resources (city park), and playing with your kids is always priceless (not to mention good for them)!
- I didn’t see results!
- Based on what I’ve read it takes a continuous work out of 12 weeks to see substantial results (Biggest Loser aside). Remember, losing inches is not the only reason for exercise – I will argue that you will ‘feel’ a change (energy, ambition, endurance, or metabolism) before you ‘see’ it (inches).
- No time!
- Before you use this excuse, ask you self how much time you are spending on non-life-changing task’s, other than your life responsibilities (hint: social media). If you still find yourself at a loss for time, my only statement is no one in the world woke up to find a box of time on their doorstep! Get creative!
Back to me! After years of getting nowhere fast I changed my way of thinking. Bare with my stupid simple logic:
I’m too sore the day after = Don’t do as much
I'm bored = Add music
I don’t know where to start = Take the dog to the park
I can’t seem to do it every day = Then don’t! Changed goal to 3 times a week.
The expectations for myself were unreachable and no one starts climbing a mountain by running. So I implemented small changes, here are a few of my personal favorites. Walking the dog (side note: I think this is the solution for everything), park the car further away (you know all the good spots are taken anyways), walk around the block to get the mail, reward system (blogging only after exercise), listen to music (it increases the time spent), if it’s in walking distance….then WALK there, keep walking shoes in your car, walk during work breaks and lunches (this will also increase your brain power), and lastly sign up for a 5k (don’t roll your eyes at me)! I signed up for my first 5k for June 1st (3 months away) and even if I walk the entire way – guess what?! I still did a 5k!
Final thought. Once I implement my OWN REALISTIC goals the best feeling, at least for me, was the first day I should have exercised but didn’t. Ironic, I know, but I knew I just trained my body to not only endure it but to enjoy it.
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