Six Steps to a Healthier You - Exercise, Part 2

SIX STEPS TO A HEALTHIER YOU – EXERCISE, PART 2

Have you been exercising a little more this past week? Did you add a few more steps to your regular routine? Are you reading this and feeling a little guilty? Or do you feel good about the progress you’ve made?

Whatever your answers are to these questions, give yourself credit for reading this article and taking a step to increase or begin your exercise program. I believe that exercising is like any other good thing we should be doing. If we’ve already established the habit and are continuing, great. If we’ve established the habit in the past but have let that good habit lapse, great; because now is the exciting time to make a change, to make an improvement. If you’ve never developed an exercise program, great. Now is the time to start something new, something new and fun and fulfilling. Wherever you are, it’s just right. Let’s start there.

Now, we all know (or should know) about the value of exercise, and we all know (or can find out) about what exercises we should be doing. There are so many great online sites that give good exercise information. Here are a couple:

http://www.wishingroom.com/exercise.htm

http://www.secretsofthehealthy.com/exercisetips/


But before we can begin, even before we “check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program,” we must do something else. Even before we make the choice about what we’re going to do, when we’re going to do it; we need to decide that we’re going to do something. We’re going to make a change. We’re going to stick with it. We’re going to be true to ourselves.

Decide to make a change. Decide to make an improvement. Decide to take action. Decide to do it for you. And that brings us to the real topic of this article. It’s not “exercising” per se. We’re going to talk about wanting to exercise, and even more importantly, exercising whether you want to or not. I hope that doesn’t discourage you. I realize that the thing that will keep you exercising is the “enjoyment” of it. I also realize that exercising isn’t always fun. But with the right mind-set, there can be something about it that keeps you going. One of the things I have always said is, “I don’t always like to exercise, but I really like to have done it.” Isn’t that true? We feel better after exercising. We feel better because exercising releases endorphins into our blood stream, and endorphins decrease stress and pain, and therefore help us feel happier. We all like that. What a great reason to exercise.

And, although we know that exercising makes us happier, we still don’t always exercise. Why? I don’t know. At least I don’t know what the answer might be for you. But I do know one thing: You have to decide. And then you have to be true enough to yourself that you follow through with your decision. Easy to say; not always easy to do. I know how to lose weight: eat less, exercise more. Now I know there are other contributing factors, like what you eat and what kinds of exercises you do. But I do know how to do it. You do, too. And if we have any questions, the internet is filled with answers. You’re probably already one step ahead of me, and know what’s coming. Knowledge is only the beginning. Action is the next, absolutely essential step. What do you have to do to take action? What kind of mood do you have to be in? What helps you feel confident and hopeful that you’ll be successful? What gives you that little push to keep going no matter what? Those are all very important questions to consider. And I’m going to let you do just that, consider your answers to those questions. Then, after you’ve done that I want to give you one little suggestion, piece of advice, first step to consider. Here is it: Just do it! Make a commitment to yourself, and just do it. Don’t try to figure out why you don’t want to do it. Don’t wait until you feel a little better. Don’t make any excuse at all. Just do it. Decide what your exercise program is going to be. Decide on a program that is just for you, exercise alone, or with your spouse or kids of neighbor, or join a gym or exercise group. Get out your old exercise videos, or buy some new ones. Do whatever you want, but do something. And keep doing it.

Before you ever start, write a little note to yourself, or add an entry to your journal. “Today I’m starting a new exercise program.” Then write down your plans, depending on your age, physical condition, etc:

-walk a mile three times a week
-jog three miles every day
-take the stairs instead of the elevator
-lift weights at the gym, 2 hours
-lift weights at home, 2 minutes

You’ll know what to write down. Make it doable, easy enough that you keep on. But make it difficult enough that you stretch yourself and make improvements. Now that you’ve decided on what you’re going to do. . . . that’s right: Do it! Be true to yourself. Keep your word. Follow your plan. You deserve it.

Next week we’re going to talk about the importance of getting plenty of fresh air and sunshine. As you might expect, getting plenty of fresh air will also include more ways to get plenty of exercise, and some ways of not getting exercise, but still getting the benefits. Exercise is so important. Fresh air is so important. Sunshine is so important. You are so important. See you next week. And don’t forget your new motto: Just do it! Until next time I wish you harmony, health, and happiness.

Terry Christensen is an expert on natural care products and a natural care life style. She has written several articles on the great health benefits of getting back to basics and caring for ourselves and our families in the best, most natural way. See her website at www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com.