If you are moving, it counts!
While I generally am able to re-frame the least enjoyable items on my “To Do List” into more positive goals, when it comes to exercise, it’s a different story. Moan, groan, there are so many other things to do, right? So this article could have easily been titled “Note To Self On WHY To Exercise.”
Why is it that some of the most simple, basic things in life are so easy to forget (such as looking after our health)? Why should I push through that cardio exercise today? There are so many other urgent matters to attend to. Here’s why:
According to the Mayo Clinic, the top 10 reasons to get physical are:
1. Weight control. Combined with a healthy diet, aerobic exercise helps you maintain/lose weight.
2. Increase your stamina. Over the long term, you’ll enjoy increased stamina and reduced fatigue.
3. Ward off viral illnesses. Aerobic exercise activates your immune system.
4. Reduce health risks. Aerobic exercise reduces the risk of many conditions, including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer. Weight-bearing aerobic exercises, such as walking, reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
5. Manage chronic conditions. Aerobic exercise helps lower high blood pressure and control blood sugar.
6. Strengthen your heart. A stronger heart doesn’t need to beat as fast. A stronger heart also pumps blood more efficiently, which improves blood flow to all parts of your body.
7. Keep your arteries clear. Aerobic exercise boosts your high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol and lowers your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad,” cholesterol.
8. Elevate your mood. Aerobic exercise can ease the gloominess of depression, reduce the tension associated with anxiety and promote relaxation. Let those good old endorphins kick in!
9. Stay active and independent as you age. Aerobic exercise keeps your muscles strong, which can help you maintain mobility as you get older. Aerobic exercise also keeps your mind sharp. At least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three days a week can reduce cognitive decline in older adults.
10. Live longer. People who participate in regular aerobic exercise live longer than those who don’t exercise regularly.
If you want to have improved digestion, a sparkle and radiance to your complexion, and improved posture, please join me in the greatest body tune-up of all time.
I’ve made a commitment to gradually work up to an hour of daily exercise by September, 23rd, the end of the summer. Can I count you in on the challenge? Are you willing to step up to the plate and maximize your health? If you are, I’d love to know what your specific goals will be. What will you commit to achieving by September 23, 2010?
To Our Sparkling Health,
Dar
June 24th, 2010 at 4:22 am
Hi Darlene
You’ve caught me out! I’m guilty of not doing enough aerobic exercise even though I’m fully aware of every single point you’ve made above.
I do, however, incorporate as much activity into my week as I can, including:
* Given that it’s winter here, part of my daily morning routine is loading wood into the wheelbarrow, bringing it back to the house from the woodshed, then carrying each piece of wood up the steps, across the deck to the back door, then back down the steps again to get the next piece of wood (do you remember my post about the “talking” cat? lol). I find that by the time I’ve done all that, I’m quite hot and when I go inside, I’m stripping off my jumper! This job gets my heart rate going and gets me moving for the day.
* When I hang out the washing on the outside line, which is a long one under the outside deck (at the moment it hangs on a clotheshorse in front of the fire!), I put the basket of clothes and the peg bucket at one end of the line, and walk back and forth to them so that I can get in some extra steps for the day. I’ll often wear wrist weights when hanging washing for a little extra arm toning!
* Most weekends, the kids and I put music on and dance around the loungeroom having a wonderful time. It’s a great workout, especially given that two of my kids are small enough for me to pick them up and dance around carrying them! (Sometimes I even do this when the kids are all at school and hubby is at work and I’m in need of a break and an energy boost – hehe).
* This year, I’ve taken up tap dancing and have lessons once per week. In another few weeks, I’ll also be doing another two dance classes too! I love it! I feel great afterwards, not only because I love music, but because the exercise gives me a boost too.
* Time permitting, when I shop, I park the car and walk everywhere that I can.
I love walking, but have been a bit of a wuss about going for walks in this cold and often rainy weather we’ve been having here in Australia – and we’re only part way through winter! I’ll get back into the swing of that again once the weather improves enough that I don’t come back looking like a drowned rat or numb from the cold!
I promised myself late last year that I would look after myself much better, but just as you’ve mentioned above, Darlene, there are always so many other things that seem more important, yet what is more important than looking after our health?! It’s silly, isn’t it?
Thank you for the reminder and you can count me in on joining you in the challenge of becoming more active! I will go for a walk (even if only a short one) on the days that it’s not pouring rain, even if it is cold.
~ Kylie ~
Kylie Doak´s last [type] ..How to Migrate (Export and Import) Posts and Comments Files From One WordPress Blog to Another
June 24th, 2010 at 7:13 am
Come to my house and you’re sure to hear one of us say, “Just keep moving!”
Years ago we read an interview with a woman of 103. When asked for her longevity secret, she gave that succinct advice. Short and sweet words to reach a long, sweet life!
Your wonderful list adds the why and wherefore to our mantra. So here’s to you in your one hour quest — you’re in good company with our centenarian mentor!
June 24th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Good suggestions and true. I have to admit I have been lax here … I don’t know why with all those great benefits! I need Jillian the trainer! LOL!
Lesly´s last [type] ..When Wrong Words Fly
June 24th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Darlene~
This is a nice post! I agree with what you say~ I know we all need exercise, and I know it’s hard to make the commitment! I have to say, I’m exercising as much as my body allows! And I’m grateful every day for what I can do!!
~Linda
Linda G. Cox´s last [type] ..What are reciprocal links and how to get them
June 25th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Darlene,
Thanks for such an inspiring post. I decided last year to get back into shape (which is not as easy as it looks when you break 50) and I’ve lost 40 pounds, kept it off and in best shape of my life. One additional motivating reason, which I wrote about in an old blog post is: Weight Loss = Sex Gain! If you want to check it out, the link is: http://bit.ly/b7mvo3
Thanks again,
Adam
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July 1st, 2010 at 8:18 am
I had to revisit this as you put forth a challenge with dumb bells. I have been doing some exercise, not a lot. I think the issue is is you have to do it for yourself. no one else can do it for you so it challenges your inner sense of self… so that’s what I am working on…. how are things going?
Lesly´s last [type] ..Are You Leaving Your Body Behind
July 12th, 2010 at 3:21 am
Great suggestions, I think the main problem that people have when it comes to exercise is having the motivation to do it! But once you are motivated and get into a routine then it just becomes part of your life and makes it more enjoyable.
Theo´s last [type] ..The Personal Development Training That Changed My Life-
July 13th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Hi Darlene
exercise used to be one of my favorite activities but since I haven’t been doing in for awhile it now seems such a chore to even go for a walk. I am sure there is some lesson here for life – do the things that you dislike so they become habit and not have to be thought about. I will go for that walk today.
How did I ever go running every day!
Belinda
belinda cunningham´s last [type] ..How to insert an image into a sidebar widget of a wordpress blog
July 14th, 2010 at 7:34 am
Belinda,
Once you get on an exercise path, the endorphins kick in and you have so much more energy and vitality. Believe me, it is hard to start. I’ve struggled (and still do) with maintaining a good habit. But it is totally worth it in the long run!