We all know that exercise is important. It is the
cornerstone to successful weight loss and maintain your
weight. Many of us though consider exercise as a chore.
We think of it as a "have to" rather than a "get to" in our
day. A healthy lifestyle includes exercise, activity, or
movement. I would encourage you to put another frame on
exercise. Think of it as something that you get to do.
Does that sound crazy? If you're like others, it does
sound crazy.
Think of children...what is among their favorite things to
do? Play. Kids love to play. You don't have to remind
them to ride their bike, play soccer or baseball, run
around in a game they've created. For children, play is
second nature and part of who they are. If you put
children on a treadmill, they would become bored after the
first couple of minutes. Children incorporate activity and
get exercise just by merely playing. Find an activity that
you enjoy and make it play.
One of the most important components of losing weight is
regular aerobic exercise in your day. For many of us, this
can be challenging especially in the beginning.
Persistence is key because after a short time, exercise
usually becomes enjoyable, fun, and an activity that you
can actually look forward to. You begin to enjoy the
payoffs from regular and persistent exercise. Here's a few
of the payoffs:
First, set aside regular time to exercise even when you are
busy. This regular exercise appointment you make with
yourself brings order to your day and helps to assign
priorities to our daily routine. Second, exercise boosts
levels of endorphins, the "feel good" levels, making us
feel happier for hours after our exercise session. Third,
it provides you with self confidence. The majority of
people that incorporate regular exercise into their lives
report improved self-esteem. Lastly, exercise is the best
drug on the market with no side effects - but multiple,
long-lasting benefits.
Whenever your life feels chaotic or stressful, add exercise
by, for example, going for a walk, rather than reaching for
a cookie or donut! It will give you the self confidence to
take charge! Try it....it works!
Do you need more convincing to attain fitness through play?
In addition to losing weight and tone your body, you
receive major health benefits by changing your mindset
about exercise. The dividends of fitness are:
1. You'll live longer. You'll enjoy your longer life even
more.
2. You'll have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
You'll also be less likely to have high blood pressure.
3. The less active you are, the higher your risk for Type
2 Diabetes. If you already have Type 2 Diabetes, exercise
can lower your blood sugar levels. Another bonus is by
losing weight, you'll also enjoy additional positive
benefits to your blood sugar levels.
4. Exercise can help reduce swelling and pain, along with
improving mobility for people with arthritis.
5. By increasing your activity, you lower your risk of
colon cancer and many other cancers as well.
6. Strength training helps to counteract the effects of
bone loss from osteoporosis.
7. Exercise makes you more physically fit. You'll be able
to perform routine daily activities easier and without as
much effort. You'll be more agile, flexible, better
stamina, and move through your day healthier and stronger
physically.
8. Exercise is the perfect way to get calm and stay calm.
As a result, active people are less depressed, enjoy higher
self-esteem, and an overall feeling of confidence and
well-being.
What comes to your mind when you think of exercise? Do you
feel negative or consider it drudgery? Try this instead -
think about dancing in the kitchen while you make dinner,
walking your dog, taking a bike ride with your children,
gardening, a set of tennis or a round of golf. Sound like
fun? You're ready with an enthusiastic start for your fun
program of fitness. Remember that getting enough exercise
will improve numerous areas in our lives besides our
physical fitness.
Rather than think of exercise as the dreaded "I have to",
change your mindset to exercise as an "I get to". It will
boost your energy, provide a sense of wellbeing like
nothing else will, and create a joyous sense of
accomplishment to your day! Exercise is a gift that keeps
on giving throughout your entire day.
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Cathy Wilson is a weight loss life coach. Cathy lost 147
pounds six years ago. Her passion is helping clients
achieve their weight loss and life goals. Cathy works with
clients to create a weight loss life plan that is
customized to each client. Cathy is a member of the
International Coaching Federation, International
Association of Coaches, and Obesity Action Coalition.
Visit Cathy's website:
http://www.LoseWeightFindLife.com
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