Hey! I’m curious– did you try shaking up your diet yet? If you read my last newsletter, you’ll know food was the hot topic. (Missed it? Catch up here). I’ve been inspired by the book UnDo It! by Dean Ornish, and Anne Ornish, which pinpoints simple science-backed changes that we can make to help prevent, or even eradicate, chronic lifestyle diseases.
In the book, Dr. Ornish highlights four main components, which I’m tackling in my newsletter series each week:
A whole-foods, plant-based diet
Moderate exercise
Stress management
Love, social support and intimacy
This week, it’s movement.
Just move it, baby!
Let’s face it. We all know we should exercise but often we find it difficult to just get moving. The thought of a regime can feel overwhelming, too tough, too time consuming, or all three. As a health coach, it’s my job to help my clients find creative and enjoyable ways to work movement into their lives. For some, it’s easy, for others, not so much.
Maybe one of these excuses sounds familiar:
I don’t have time
I don’t like to sweat
I feel too self-conscious
I can’t possibly take the time away from my family
I can’t afford a gym membership
I don’t have tennis shoes . . . a yoga mat . . . a $5,000 bike
I haven’t got the energy
I don’t know where to start
The list goes on. On any given day, we can justify why we’re not out there shakin’ our booty. But here’s the truth:
You have to move your body to be healthy. Period.
Why?
Glad you asked. Here are a few of the many reasons to exercise:
It helps us maintain a healthy weight
It protects against lifestyle diseases such as type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer and obesity
It’s imperative for a healthy heart
When we exercise, we look, feel and act sexier
It helps us age healthily
To feel better, physically and mentally
Exercise reduces our risk of dementia and improves cognitive function
It gives us more energy
This list continues. For those of us who have made exercise a regular part of our lives, we can’t imagine living without it. I find that all habits are hard to break, good ones and bad.So get out there and make some good habits!
I’m too self-conscious about where to begin. Besides, aren’t I too old to start exercising now?
Starting something new can be daunting at any age. But even if we haven’t developed a consistent practice around movement,it’s never too late to make a change. Starting small, and with something we enjoy is a great way to set ourselves up for success. Forget one hour on the treadmill—if exercise is new to you, start with 5 minutes of activity. Just five minutes. That’s all it takes to get those feel good endorphins going.
Hate to run? No problem! Just take a stroll. No gym membership? Dance around your living room! Walk your dog, play with your kids or grandchildren, or join a yoga class with friends. It doesn’t matter what you do, just make a commitment to move it!
A personal challenge:
If you’re not exercising at all, don’t overwhelm yourself by thinking that you have to work out 6 times a week. Start with just one, simple, 5 to 20-minute session of any kindof moment. Right now, decide what, when and where, and put it on your calendar.
If you’re a step counter, increase your weekly count by 1,000 steps.
If you’re already working out three times per week, shoot for four.
And if you’re a seasoned mover, try shaking up your routine with a new kind of exercise this week: If you normally lift weights, try Pilates or a Barre class; if you stroll around your ‘hood, get on your bike for a fresh perspective; if you’re already running 80 miles a week, stretch yourself with a yoga class.
Just do it! Even a small shift can make a big difference
If you’re stuck, physically or mentally, let me know. I’ll get you moving!
Learn more about how to feel your best, particularly after the age of 50, by scheduling a free discovery call with me. Click here to schedule a free 45-minute discovery call.
Here’s to feeling your very best!