This article appears courtesy of YHC Magazine (Your Health Connection), June 2010 Issue
Fitness & Beauty
Transforming Exercise From a Dreaded Chore to a Joyful Activity
By Maxine Izenberg
People are pretty much alike in many aspects. For instance, very few of us wake up in the morning really excited and motivated about working those abs, moving those arms and legs or getting that cardio going. Being human, most of us have to experience some kind of driving force behind the effort to working out lest we become too complacent and adopt that “I’ll work out tomorrow” mentality.
Too often we forego this extremely important tool that nature has provided for us. We forget that exercise is something that’s “free,” a factor for continuing good health and vitality and so valuable that Hippocrates believed “Walking is man’s best medicine.” The average person is likely aware of the benefits of consistent exercise, so why do we come up with every excuse in the world to avoid exercise?
The Secret to Getting (& Staying) in Shape
How do those kindred souls with the drop dead bodies acquire that “get up and go” attitude prior to lacing up their sneakers? People in tip top shape are keenly aware of the innumerable benefits of exercise; this knowledge provides the needed motivation to get up and exercise.
Keeping the following tips in mind will stop you from deciding that today doesn’t look too good for getting to the gym, or that there’s no time or you have other more pressing things to do.
1. Realize the anti-aging benefits of exercise. Of all the enormous healthful advantages of working out, one of the most powerful is that exercise increases the body’s ability to cleanse its cells. Realizing that exercising is a major anti-aging tool can be a powerful motivation.
2. Be your own best cheerleader. Focus on your daily workout accomplishments and give yourself that pat on the back. Knowing that rewards wait at the end of your 30-minute exercise routine makes taking that first step easier.
3. Exercise with a friend or dog. Having a companion with you makes your routine go faster. Remember, we’re not talking about a slow little stroll in the park. Moving those arms and getting that cardio going is the rule here; doing that with a friend makes exercising extremely enjoyable and you’ll find yourself walking a longer time than if you were walking alone.
4. Keep a before and after picture of yourself in a convenient place. An image of yourself in those slimmer threads can go a long way towards inducing you to continue the workout routine. Keep those reminders at home where you will see them constantly. If you work out in a gym, keep another “after” picture of yourself in your car and visualize it as you are working out.
5. Turn the music on. When you know that you will be able to listen to some of your favorite music while you are working out, you’ll look forward to getting started. Energetic exercise music with a great beat spurs you to keep moving.
6. It all depends on how you look at it. If you have a “let’s get this over with” mentality you will shortchange yourself. Considering exercise as a challenge and adopting an “of course I can do this” attitude will put you on the right track as you take those first steps. Remember, any time you can push yourself to walk that extra mile you will come out a winner.
7. Had a bad day? Head to the gym. Only five minutes of stress can undermine your immune system for as long as six hours; so a program of exercise becomes almost a must for those of us under the gun. We know that working out alleviates stress. So remind yourself how clear and focused, as well as and anxiety-free you will feel after that cathartic workout.
8. Remember how energetic you feel after a workout. We know that a good vigorous workout whether it be walking, biking, running, working out in the gym ― no matter what your choice ― gets those feel-good endorphins going. Bear in mind that exercising, especially in the morning, sets the tone for the rest of your day and gets you ready to take on your daily life with vim and vigor.
9. Consider the improved health that exercise affords you. Research proves that exercise helps to mitigate some disorders or diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and even depression. The rapid movement that exercise affords allows the oxygen to increase in all your major organs, gets that blood flow moving, helps with waste management, and of course, that brass ring ― increases weight loss. Keep in mind those benefits when you are thinking about skipping your daily regimen of keeping fit.
Some medical science researchers claim that exercise is the number one factor for continuing good health even before the foods we eat. Whether this is true or not, exercise is an extremely powerful activity and we should strive to make time for it on an almost daily basis.
Exercise is one of the most positive things you can do for your body. So keep in mind the above tips when you find yourself hesitating to take advantage of nature’s brilliant solution for a continuously healthy life. When you wake up in the morning, hit the ground running ― literally ― to keep your body in shape, physically, mentally and emotionally.
Max Izenberg, author of Reaching for 100, is a nutritionist, speaker and writer based in the Los Angeles area. She is still reaping the benefits of a lifestyle change made 13 years ago. She is slim, healthy and energetic without relying on pills or medication. Max teaches everyone how to achieve the same. For speaking engagements or to buy her book, contact her at www.maxliving.ms or max-2223@hotmail.com.