Fit in the City - Leigh Ann
Rain, Rain, Go Away
The weather lately has put me in a mood! Fortunately, it has finally taken a turn for the better. Has anyone else felt a little grumpy lately? My son is the only person in my life it hasn't really effected. He's just as happy playing in the rain, probably even a little happier! We can learn a lot from children, they really know how to make lemonade out of lemons, without even trying. When is it that we learn certain things aren't good enough and can turn a perfectly good day bad? Many times it can be the little things that set us off, another person's mood, someone you're sharing the road with, or the less than desirable weather.
So last week I broke my own exercise rule, AGAIN! I've been blaming the weather for my laziness. I'm convinced that my metabolism (the rate at which my body burns food) is in check because I try to not go more than two days without a workout. I shoot for everyday, but life sometimes gets in the way. I'm happy with this rule, as it is effective, has a deadline and allows for rest. It is absolutely true that the body responds best to the repeated message of exercise, every day or every other day, for instance. This makes a fit lifestyle fit for anyone. I believe this is even more important than high intensity working out.
So, like some of you, the weather had gotten me down. Once I returned to my regular fitness routine, I was feeling much better. Another reminder that it's even more important to keep your workouts going when the weather, or other circumstances, begin to get us depressed. We need it more than ever at these moments. Regular working out is one thing that can keep our moods elevated and our attitudes in check. Moving your body regularly relieves stress and allows for the body to function as it was meant to. When you consider all the things you need to live an easier and happier life, working out is quite simple and a real no-brainer. It's as economical as a pair of sneakers. Cheaper than a cigarette habit or prescription drugs too.
When you think about conditioning the body, the heart and lungs are so important. We must treat them like the most valuable things we own. In order to keep them healthy, we must exercise in oxygen. So, go walking, running, swimming, hiking, kayaking, biking, take an aerobic class or anything else that gets the heart beating faster and the lungs working harder. In return they will serve us well. Cardiovascular conditioning will burn body fat, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, decrease tension, cheer you up and basically make every day living easier. If you are physically able to move, than put one foot in front of the other and get moving. If you're already moving regularly, keep variety in your workout and increase the intensity of your workouts regularly. This will challenge your body, keep results coming, and will keep workouts interesting.
Strengthening our muscles, is the next step toward physical well-being. Strong muscles, not necessarily big ones, will also help your body function properly. Conditioning your muscles on a regular basis, will help your body lose weight faster too. The more muscle a person has versus fat, the better their body works. It becomes more effective at burning calories. Weight training is also important in the prevention of osteoporosis. You can begin with modified push ups, and sit ups. Hand held weights can also provide the variety your muscles need in order to become overall strengthened. You don't need much time for this, only discipline.
Conditioning the physical self is the ideal way toward a healthier life. Once your begin to exercise the body, it's easier for the other areas of wellness to fall into place. Physical health isn't as unattainable as so many imagine it to be. It's not about deprivation as much as it's about motivation. It's a heck of a lot easier than following some strict diet, that's for sure! And more fun too! I'm not saying you can exercise and just eat what ever you want. But what I'm saying is, move your body, become less obsessed about what you put in your mouth and your will begin to find a healthy balance. When you think about eating, it's pretty simple to know what is bad and what is good for the body. So many people want to be told exactly what to eat. Everybody's body responds differently to foods. It's unrealistic to have a set diet that will work magic for everyone. Listen to your body, eat when you're hungry, and listen to when you're stomach is full. You can simply eat healthier by cutting out or down on fast and fried foods and calorie loaded drinks. Drink more water. You'll see remarkable things happen with these small changes.
Once a person begins to treat their bodies better through physical conditioning, they naturally want to keep the process moving forward by eating better and thinking healthier thoughts. They all go hand in hand. Resting the body also becomes easier because when you ask more of your body it will begin to relax easier and sleep sounder. Good health becomes a spring board into an overall better existence. A person begins to want more from life, participating more, living more and expecting more.
So the next time the weather or like circumstances begin to get a negative hold on you, remember how critical exercise is to making things more bearable. I know it sounds simple, but many of the best and most important things in life are!
