By Kac Young PhD, ND, DCH
Continued from part 1 of this article…..
* Exercise promotes better sleep
Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Just don’t exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to fall asleep.
* Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life
Regular physical activity has shown to lead to enhanced arousal for women. And men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don’t exercise.
* Exercise can be fun
Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting. So, take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or join a soccer team. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it. If you get bored, try something new.
* And Finally…..Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, gain health benefits and have fun. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns.
4) I have pain, I can’t.
This can seem like a drawback, but there are many ways to exercise, release the pain and build your strength back. We don’t do that be sitting on the couch and watching TV. We do that by finding gentle movement to do for our bodies and then staying with it until we see and feel the progress. it will come. You will improve and your pain will decrease. See this link: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20436269,00.html
5) I’m too fat.
If this really is holding you back, please read this article which addresses the issue. http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/exercising-when-you-are-overweight
Start small, get support and be consistent. You can do this.
6) I don’t have money for a gym.
Please see all of the above links and work out at home. Here’s some expert advice on free memberships you might want to explore. http://www.freegymmemberships.com/
7) Fill in the blank: _____________________.
This is the mystery reason that is holding you back and keeping you from doing what your body wants and needs. Take a moment. Get out a pencil; and paper and write down 5 more reasons why you don’t want to exercise. Then, reduce those to three, then reduce them to two and finally, pick the one reason that keeps you from exercising. If a friend told you this was their reason, what advice would you give them? You’ll have your answer and become your own counselor.
If you have not been persuaded to fit exercise into your life then please, if nothing else, employ these activities:
* Adopt a dog and take it for walks every day.
* Do things the old-fashioned way — get up and change the television channel; open the garage door manually; use a push lawnmower, garden.
* Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
* Walk briskly whenever you can – and do it for at least a 20 minutes.
* Minimize use of your car; walk to destinations within a mile.
* Use a bicycle to do errands and local transport. (Wear a helmet!)
* Take up tennis or any other game or sport you enjoy.
* Join a sports team, play regularly and enjoy the benefits team play can bring you.
I’m not an exercise freak by any means. I run on my treadmill for a cardio workout every other day. In between times I walk, I do strengthening exercises and keep my body moving as best I can. Exercising has paid off. I feel better, look better and have more energy for fun. You can do the same. Explore the world of exercise, experiment with different varieties, pick one and start your work out. I promise you that you will start feeling better and better each day.
– Kac Young, a former television director and producer, has earned a PhD in Natural Health and is a Doctor of both Clinical Hypnotherapy and Naturopathy. She is the author of 10 books. Heart Easy is a system of nutritionally sound, delicious meals that promote heart health, long life and taste great. In the Heart Easy Cook Book sound nutritional advice is followed by family favorites that have been turned into heart healthy meals anyone can make and everyone will love.