Fitness

I really liked this chapter.  I like to say this a lot: "exercise is the best medicine". There are few conditions that exercise can't help at least in some way. Exercise lowers stress, lowers blood pressure, increases insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar, improves sleep... the list goes on and on. Like the author is saying, most people know there are 100 reasons they should exercise, but the number of us that consistently work in regular exercise is low. There are many reasons people give for not getting in their exercise. Many people say " I just don't have time," or some will admit that they just don't like exercise. This chapter addresses both of these excuses.

A main point of the chapter is that you don't always have to set aside a huge amount of time to exercise: you can do it in little bits throughout the day. In fact, that may be best. Most of us suffer from what Pastor Rick refers to as "sitting disease" or a myriad of conditions brought on by the fact that most of us spend all day sitting.  There are a lot of great tips in the chapter that have nothing to do with running 5 miles every day or signing up for an expensive gym membership: Stopping for 5-10 minutes each hour while at work to stretch, move around, do some squats or lunges, or even take a brisk walk -- these are great ways to get in shape and reap the benefits of exercise. How about a walking meeting?? I've heard of this lately (although we don't do this at my job) but it sounds like not only a great way to combat sitting disease, but probably to stimulate some great ideas by getting the blood flowing.

My favorite point from the entire chapter: What is the 100% best exercise for keeping you fit & healthy?? The one you will do! Find what you love and do it! For me, it's dance. Put me in a Zumba class, and I don't even feel like I'm exercising. It's just pure fun. Ditto for dance exercise videos. I love walking and talking too, which is why our weekly walking group is a blessing for me.  More than once, one of us has commented that we've enjoyed our discussion so much we didn't even know how far we'd gone!

I really like the idea of focusing on one word each year to make transformation in your life. I'm still not sure what my word should be.  I feel like the past 10 years of my life have all been about challenges and accomplishments (getting married, starting my career, starting my family, going to grad school). So I think the word for this year needs to be somehow different. For me, I have trouble learning to slow down and enjoy something: I'm always rushing to what I think I need to "get done". Maybe this year, my word should be "enjoyment". Truthfully, I do enjoy exercise, especially if I can incorporate friendship with others and/or dance. Anybody want to find a Zumba class to go with me to?

Pastor Rick encourages us in this chapter to find our fitness dream.  What is yours? I have to spend some more time and thought to find mine. Maybe to do a few more 5Ks, or maybe a 10K?  Maybe it is to get back into regular dance classes: like a modern or ballet class. I could certainly use a bit more art & creativity in my life!  Another thing I like about this chapter: we are reminded to play like a kid! This is a great lesson for us parents out there. Yes we are strapped for time and money and surrounded by some processed kids' snacks, pizza and birthday cake at parties, but we also have the advantage of watching our kids play and exhibit the kind of daily physical energy we often dream of having.  I know that taking the kids outside for more physical play will be great for me and for them!

Planning your exercise or play in advance by writing down your plans, and treating them as valuable appointments are some more great ideas. Remember, we can't give what we don't have. Taking great care of yourself now means you will likely give more to those around you now and in the future. In this way, giving yourself time each day for regular physical activity is like giving to everyone in your life. Getting a friend to join you and hold you accountable is also really helpful.  Writing down not only your plans, but what you ended up doing and how you felt is another great idea.  This way, you can see where the challenges and pitfalls are, and you are also more likely to follow through if you are in the habit of mindfully writing about it.

The final point in the chapter is to keep varying what you are doing. Yes, the same exercise routine can in some ways be comforting, but flexibility really is the key to success: it is a great way to keep you from reaching a plateau and also to keep you interested.

Does anyone have any other ideas besides our weekly walk that we can do instead? I like the idea of a Zumba class! Let's talk more about it this Sunday! For me, for this week: I did a 20 minute run on Monday, a run and cardio/strength training session at the playground while my kids played on Tuesday (30 mins), and today, I did a 30 minute yoga workout.  I feel great! My stress levels really are the lowest when I take the time to get my exercise. The added benefit: my energy levels are often higher when I work out as well. None of it cost me anything but a half hour or so of time, and if I continue to keep it up, I'll be reaping the benefits for years to come.

How is everyone else doing with this chapter? I'd love to hear your feedback. Post a comment here, or a comment or picture on the Facebook page! And join me this Sunday for our walk and talk!