Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Movement

Exercise.......for some it is a lifestyle, for others a dirty word.  The secret.....moderation.  One of the reasons
many never stick with an exercise program.......they dive in, and burn out or injure themselves in a short while.

Most think the only way they will ever get fit, spend hours at a gym, buy expensive machines, run themselves into oblivion.  If you are overweight and out of shape, you're setting yourself up for a fall and disappointments.  Take baby steps.......ten minute walks, take the steps at work, park your car away from the store front.  When watching tv, during commercials, step in place, pick up some light free weights, do a couple of yoga poses. If you sit all day at your job, take a movement break........stand up (at least once an hour), stretch, do some deep breathing......you'll feel better, and be more productive.  If your energy falls around 3:00pm, drink some water, eat a little protein/carbohydrate combo (like peanut butter, crackers or maybe a cheese stick and fruit) and then walk around for a few minutes.

I believe movement is vital for our well-being.......we may not enjoy it, or want to do it, but honestly......use it or lose it.  Every morning in my day planner......I write in, walk.....and yes, I teach  8-10 yoga classes a week.  My daily goal for walking, 10,000 steps.....I don't always make it, but I get as many steps in as I can.
Buy a pedometer,  the first few days ( you have to wear it) just measure the steps you make in an average day.  Most will tell you, under 5,000 is considered sedentary.

As you age, it is vital that you move.......it keeps the blood pumping, the oxygen flowing, the joints lubricated,  and a sparkle in the eyes.  Movement helps you deal with stress, raises the metabolism, and if you walk outside.......you get your daily dose of vitamin D.  You may say you have no time to exercise.......I promise you, there is time......five and ten minute increments.....that's all it takes......five minute walk in the morning,
five minutes at lunch, five minutes at break, five minutes in the evening.......you've got a 20 minute walk in.

4 comments:

  1. Sound sensible advice as always, Jilda! Take care
    x

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  2. There's a 20/20/20 rule for computer users. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It's supposed to relieve eye strain.

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  3. A girl I used to go out with had an aunt with arthritis but she kept it at bay by ballroom dancing three times a week.

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  4. Yes, I am a big believer in walking. In fact I recently blogged about it. Talking about it and sharing it with others helps keep me motivated. Walking - the simplest and most effective type of exercise.

    Our bodies were made to move!

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