Choose to Move!

I’m going to ask a personal question here – how active are you? Research suggests that about 80% of American adults don’t get the recommended amount of exercise. This is NOT good news since physical inactivity can lead to:

• Obesity • Type 2 diabetes • Cardiovascular disease • Depression • Anxiety • Colon Cancer • High blood pressure

I have to admit that, until a few years ago, I was in the inactive category. Firmly in that category! My mantra was, “I hate to get hot and sweaty”, and I did everything I could to avoid that. It wasn’t until my weight ballooned up, I realized what an effort walking was and grasped how painful my joints were becoming that I reluctantly took action.

I say all that to let you know that if your exercise brain dial is turned completely to, “stationary”, I get it. I understand the aversion to, “getting up and going”, as well as anyone can. But I also want to let you know a little about the flip side. I almost don’t recognize myself from 7-8 years ago. Along with being over 50 pounds lighter I’m experiencing the following benefits:

• My clothes fit much better – and look amazing! • I can climb stairs and walk without panting for breath • My joints are pain free • My blood pressure is within normal limits • My blood sugar is normal (both my parents were diabetic) • I run 4 mornings a week – and actually enjoy it! (This was a shocker) • I feel energetic, strong and happy

None of the above happened overnight – it took months of choosing to do things differently. It also wasn’t completely painless; there was a fair amount of effort involved. But I can say with complete sincerity, that getting up off the couch and moving regularly, was one of the best choices I ever made. What about you?