I Like to Move It, Move It!!!!!

And I do....pretty much every opportunity I get...and you should, too!!  I have always been a very active, high energy kinda person.  Years ago, back before the days of "personal trainers", I worked as a fitness instructor and nutrition/diet counselor. Unfortunately, the nutrition counseling focused only on weight loss and very little attention was given to real health from a holistic standpoint, and lasting lifestyle changes.  Both are needed for genuine health (physical and mental), and for the kind of changes that are going to bring about true health for a lifetime.

I loved the work, loved the women I got to help, but there was far too much focus on appearance, and far too little on real health.  The pressure to maintain that waif-like appearance and a certain weight was very easy for me to succumb to being the bit of a perfectionist that I am.  It launched me on a 22 year long battle with anorexia and bulimia.  The only reprieve my poor body got from the ravages of those diseases was during my pregnancies. I knew I had to eat to nourish my growing babies, AND allow my body to digest and metabolize those calories.  However, delivery of that baby, and a return to the "fitness field" brought a re-activation of my nemesis.  But...I digress, more on the topic of eating disorders in another chapter.

Exercise...why do I?  Why should you?  And what constitutes exercise?

Alright, lets answer the first 2 questions at once.  The same reasons why I exercise, are basically the same reasons why you should.  I may have points that don't apply to you, and likewise, you may have circumstances or motivations that are different from mine.  So lets begin...

As a former insulin dependent, Type II diabetic, I exercise to keep that disease in check.  Since I made radical lifestyle changes 13 years ago, my Hemoglobin A1C levels have always rivaled that of a non-diabetic.  After I lost the 110 pounds that contributed greatly to my developing of that disease (along with a family history of diabetes), I became committed to NEVER go back there!  Regular exercise, and a healthy diet are primary in  prevention of, reversal of, and working through almost all disease processes.

I exercise because it keeps me looking and feeling years younger than my birth-date would indicate I actually am.  Do I even need to elaborate on what that does for a person both physically and mentally?

I move my body because it was designed for movement and activity, NOT inactivity.  Our society's current obsession with sitting, TV watching, internet surfing, video game playing, blah, blah, blah is taking its toll on our nation's health and wellness. Disease, obesity, depression and other emotional issues, lack of interest in life in general, and so on....and on...and on.  Will regular exercise fix it all?  Nope!  Will it help a great deal with much of it?  Yup!

I work out to keep muscles, bones, joints, and brain cells in good working order.

I work out because it is good for my heart, lungs and circulatory system.

I work out because I love, absolutely LOVE the release of endorphins that comes after any kind of vigorous exercise that elevate my mood, give me a general feeling of "well being" , boost my self-esteem and self-confidence, and simply make me feel good about being ME!

Exercising, when I am not in the mood, have no motivation to do so, and really, really just don't feel like it, leaves me feeling victorious, and very empowered.  Good feelings I like a lot!

Recapping-  Exercise to

• Keep muscles, joints, and bones in good working order.
• To stave off disease and illness....and in many case reverse those which have already gotten a foothold.
• To elevate mood, battle depression, and enjoy all the benefits of those wonderful little endorphins!
•  To keep the heart pumping away and the arteries clean and clear.
• To boost self esteem, and confidence.
• To achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• Use your body in the way it was designed and built to be used
• Set a good example for kids and grand kids
• To simply feel better about yourself and life in general!

 Oh my!  I knew once I got started on this topic, there was going to be a lot to say.  Surprise! I was right.  For the sake of not taking too much of your time in one sitting, I will leave off for now and address the third question above in a future blog.
But you won't be waiting long...I'm kind of on a roll here!  Now get up off your posterior and go MOVE IT!!!