"I Like to Move It, Move it!!" (Part 2)

Last time we talked about why everyone should exercise, today I'd like to talk about what constitutes "exercise"  And trust me, it is soooo much more than you think!

And therein lies a problem.  So many folks get confused and discouraged when someone says they "should get more exercise" that they throw up a mental wall because they think exercise means "logging hours at the gym" or running and/or walking in all types of weather, or setting aside focused time to perform a certain physical activity....All of these things ARE exercise, and are great to do, but they are such a small slice of the big picture.

In my mind, and in my experience, practically anything you do that gets you up and moving those bones and muscles, gets your heart beating a few beasts faster, gets you breathing a little heavier meets the necessary criteria!

Listen, lifestyle change is hard.
It is by far one of the hardest things I've ever done. Popping out 7 babies was easy by comparison. But....it is one of the most important, worthwhile things I have EVER done!
 Just get up and move. Stand, don't sit to perform routine kitchen tasks.  Park the car an extra 50 feet way.  Take the stairs both up and down rather than the elevator. Turn off the TV. Turn off the game system. Get off the Internet and move it!


Hundreds of tiny changes throughout every day and every week add up to benefits for you, your health, your body, your family.

And for those of you out there who have very real physical challenges, disabilities, chronic pain, or what have you....move what you can!!!!  I could write another entire article on armchair exercises for the upper body.  Perhaps, I will soon.

The list below is by no means exhaustive, just merely ideas to hopefully spark your imagination, and perhaps make you think of things you may not have considered exercise before.  Some are obvious and you have heard them a hundred times...

And remember, no matter what shape you are in right now, no matter what your limitations might be...we can ALL do something!

• Walk....indoors or out
• Run/Jog
• Work out at the gym if possible
• Take the stairs
• Park farther away
• Put on some music and move your body
• Stand while working in the kitchen
• Clean house vigorously
• Dance gently while folding laundry of doing dishes
• Have sex
• Play out doors with your kids, or heck even your spouse, or other adult.  Doesn't matter what you play, just play
• Join a sports team
• Take a class at the YMCA or other facility
• Put in a yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Kick Boxing, or any other video you choose, and finish it!  Maybe not at the teacher's pace....but your own.  Never be afraid to push yourself everyday.
• Wash dishes by hand
• Ride a bike
• Go horseback riding
• Park your car in town when doing errands and walk to all your destinations.
• When shopping carry items (unless truly large or cumbersome) in your hands rather then push a cart.
• When you wake, sit on the edge of the bed....stretch, like a cat!  Stand, bend over and reach for your toes, relax and breathe and feel your muscles stretch and wake up.  Then, stand tall, arms overhead and reach, really r-e-a-c-h for the stars!  Lets your muscles and other systems know, your up and ready to MOVE IT!
• Grab a piece of fruit, and a bottle of water at lunch and take a walk.
• Interact with children...often, their energy is contagious!
• When you sit, stretch your toes, do ankle rotations, first in one direction, then the other.

I am sure by now....you get the idea.  Move it or lose it.  I am always in awe when I see seniors at the gym, working out as hard as they can.  They inspire me!

Lots of little changes, repeated DAILY, will benefit anyone.
And start with a change of attitude.  Move from  "I can't" to I CAN AND I WILL!