It’s Spring (at least in my neck of the woods)...so get Off the Couch and Out the Door!
I hate to admit this but I used to dread exercise. And I have always disliked “sneakers” intensely. The thought of putting the ugly things on and dragging myself out the door was more than I could handle on most days. I knew it was important to exercise in theory, but I didn’t really see how to get it done on a regular basis. Both of my sisters are incredibly fit and my niece is a personal trainer, so I certainly have role models in my life. The sisters had been “gently” dropping hints about how much I needed to get going for years. But I found, even when I mustered enough determination to get up and out consistently for a few weeks (going on enforced marches around the neighborhood), I would inevitably come home exhausted and feeling worse than when I had set out. Not great motivation for continuing!
So how did I get to the point where I actually enjoy getting exercise and going to a gym regularly? The first step was getting to a Functional Medicine practitioner and saying goodbye to my exhaustion, brain fog, joint pain, excess weight, etc..by figuring out the underlying causes. Once I felt better and had more energy, I could entertain the possibility of regular exercise (and wearing sneakers!). With my subsequent training as a Primal Health Coach, and advice from my niece the personal trainer, I was well set up to know how to start and what to do. It has been months now and I feel great! I even think I’m going to need new sneakers soon!
I know “exercise” means very different things to different people. Whether it’s walking the dog around the block, running up a mountain or anything in-between, we all know it’s important to get moving. But sometimes we need some extra incentives to make it happen on a regular basis. Here are some benefits you can expect the same day you get up off the couch and go for it (**starting from right where you are now):
Every time you get some exercise you come away with a better brain.
Exercise enhances how we pay attention and how well we remember things.
You’ll be in a better mood and be less anxious for at least a few hours after you’re done.
You may turn some heads due to your post workout glow!
If you’re experiencing some emotional stress you can “work it out” and get some distance and perspective to reclaim your mental energy.
You’ll have more self-control and higher brain function after a workout because of a surge in the flow of blood and oxygen to the front part of your brain.
One single workout can give temporary relief for those who have chronic pain.
You have made a step toward lowering your chances of getting Type II Diabetes.
You may sleep more soundly the night after some moderate exercise.
And how about the fun factor? Just go outside for the sheer pleasure of it. Breathe in some fresh air (slowly and deeply) and enjoy your surroundings. Near some woods? Go “forest bathing”!
You can feel better even without going to a gym. When you feel “too tired, sad, bad, stressed out” to get moving, read the list above and know that moving can probably help whatever is making you feel that way. No matter what form it takes, just get up off the couch, put on your ugly sneakers (or tennies, trainers, hightops, gym shoes…) and get moving at whatever pace is good for you right now. You’ll be glad you did.. And remember, it wasn’t the hare that won that race! (And if you need some concrete help to make a plan, and have someone in your corner to hold you to it, give me a shout. I can help because I have been where you are.)
