Monica's Motivation to Move!

I wanted to share a simple experience that I had tonight to reinforce the fact that fitting in physical activity has to be a "must do" activity, not an "if I have time" activity.  At one time, physical activity may have been viewed as a leisure activity, but scores of research has proven that regular exercise provides numerous benefits, including:

*preventing chronic illness
*weight loss and successful weight management
*lowering cholesterol
*improving mood
*stress management
*improving quality of sleep
*strengthening heart and lungs
*strengthening bones
*easing joint pain
*decreasing risk of cancer
*prolonging life

Back to my story...tonight while I was at my son's baseball practice, I was getting in my physical activity walking around the perimeter of the park and I saw an older man who was also walking.  As I got closer to him, I saw him climbing stairs and commented on the fact that stair climbing is great exercise.  He stated back "yes it is, I have to do it...this is how I get in my aerobic exercise".  He proceeded to go up and down about 10 more times and then continued on with his walk.  As I continued on, I thought about his choice of words..."I have to do it".  Not only does he feel like he has to do it, but he really seemed to be enjoying himself.  

Now, you don't need a gym membership or an array of home equipment to exercise (although those are both great for added variety).  You simply need a pair of good shoes, and the motivation to walk out your door.  Go to your nearest park, find a set of stairs to climb or simply walk around your neighborhood. 

The bottom line is that exercise has to be a priority.  Think about exercise the way you do about all of the other things that you have to do in your life...getting kids ready for school, going to work, preparing meals, running errands (the list could go on and on).  Make exercise a non-negotiable part of your life.  There will be some days that you simply cannot fit it in - on those days, I challenge you to find 10 minutes, just 10 minutes, for a walk - 5 minutes out your door and 5 minutes back.  That 10 minutes will benefit you for that day and will also help to make exercise a consistent routine...consistency is the key!

Tonight, I could have easily brought my chair and watched baseball practice from the sidelines, especially since I feel like I'm coming down with a cold.  Instead, I chose to take advantage of that time to fit in some much needed physical activity.   I honestly felt physically better and happy to have had that brief experience with a total stranger who embraces his health and wants to live his life to the fullest!  Don't you?

If you have your own story to share or would like some ideas on how to get started with an exercise program, please make a comment or send me a direct email at HMRatHome@earthlink.net.  I would love to hear from you!