So you've slacked off a bit and avoided exercise. Maybe
your job demands too much of your time or you simply fell
out of the routine. I have news for you. Whether you've
taken off one year, ten years or haven't exercised a day in
your life - it's never too late to start. You see there are
problems with living a life devoid of exercise. Big
problems. Your weight rises along with your blood pressure
and cholesterol. Your muscles and joints degenerate at an
astounding rate leaving you with daily aches and pains.
Your body becomes weak, making you susceptible to all kinds
of medical issues.
Why Should I Start Now?
You've heard about the benefits that consistent exercise
brings, but what if you haven't been consistent? Should you
even start at all? This has been the subject of many
medical studies and the results are unanimous: Exercise
helps improve your quality of life even if you start late.
Researchers are constantly finding new benefits to
consistent exercise. It's no wonder that Dr. Robert Butler,
of the National Institute on Aging, once said "If exercise
could be put into a pill, it would be the single most
prescribed medicine in the world."
Imagine if a pill could offer all of these benefits
(without harmful side effects):
· Substantially reduces the risk of coronary heart
disease and osteoporosis
· Decreases the risk for stroke, colon cancer,
diabetes and high blood pressure
· Helps to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight
· Contributes to healthy bones, muscles and joints
· Helps relieve anxiety and depression
· Promotes well-being and reduces stress
· Is associated with fewer doctor visits,
hospitalizations and medications
· Helps prevent and treat chronic medical conditions
associated with old age
· Increases energy levels and promotes sound sleep
· Strengthens immune system
Exercise may not be something that you can gulp down with a
glass of water, but it will offer you all of the above
benefits that can greatly enhance your quality of life. I
know what you are thinking. Those benefits sound great, but
I can't exercise because:
Exercise is painful.
Not if you do the type most suitable for you.
Exercise is boring.
Most people who exercise find it to be quite enjoyable.
Exercise takes too long.
It only takes 30-60 minutes a day.
Exercise is confusing.
Not when you work with a trained professional
Exercise if for young people.
Studies have shown that exercise if for all ages.
Get Started the Right Way
Many people have started an exercise program only to quit
days later. Now that you have decided that exercise may be
worth your time after all, ensure your success with the
following tips:
Make a Commitment
You know the meaning and value of a solid commitment. It's
in your blood. So don't view exercise as something you will
merely try. You will only reap the true benefits of
exercise when you stick with it. A great way to reinforce
your commitment is to solicit the support of your friends
and family. Tell them how you plan to improve your health
and quality of life through exercise - who knows, they may
join you.
Set Reachable Goals
This is an immensely important ingredient to your success.
Don't start your exercise program with unreasonable
expectations. If you expect to lose all of your unwanted
pounds, drop your blood pressure and cure your joint pain
all in one week then you will be sorely disappointed.
Remember that it took years for your body to fall out of
shape so it makes sense that it will take some time to
regain it. The key to unlocking all of the benefits of
exercise lies in one word: consistency. Only then will your
body be transformed.
Rearrange Your Schedule
They say that you can't teach an old dog new tricks. This
may be because his schedule simply didn't allow for it. The
truth is that as we age there is a tendency to become
'stuck in our ways.' The thought of rearranging your
schedule may leave you a bit squeamish. Remind yourself
that exercise is worth your time and then think long and
hard about your daily schedule. The fact is that you do
have time to lend toward exercise - you simply need to find
it. Set aside 30-60 minutes for exercise and then stick
with it.
Increase the Challenge
You should start your exercise program with the thought of
easing into it. Since you haven't exercised in awhile your
body will need to build up strength and endurance. Consider
a car that has been sitting in your garage for years. You
wouldn't turn it on and instantly slam down on the gas
would you? You need to warm it up. However, this warm up
period should not last forever. Your body has an amazing
ability to adapt to new challenges and will grow complacent
when asked to do the same exercises over and over. When
your routine begins to feel easy take that as a hint to
increase the challenge. Don't let another day pass you by.
You deserve the good life.
Take action now.
----------------------------------------------------
Machelle Lee owns and operates The Invisible Gym in Santa
Cruz, CA. Her mission is to inspire people to become
physically active and enjoy the benefits of a balanced,
healthy lifestyle. For more information and questions you
can visit her website.
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