10 Powerful reasons to take the first step in physical activity.

When you hear the words exercise, fitness or work out, Do you feel anxious, lack the motivation to get started or reject it all together. Well, you are not alone. It just might be, you have not found something you enjoy doing or have this idea that the only thing that constituents working out is going to the gym. This is not the case. Physical movement can be as simple as a walk-in nature, dancing, or swimming. We put physical activity to the back burner, creating a slew of excuses. The most popular reasons not to partake in physical movement is, I have no time today, I am too tired, I am not feeling good, or tomorrow I will start. The truth if you say that, day after day, you are cheating yourself out of self-care. Fear not, it does not mean an hour-long gym intense work out. Let us face it, we all have busy lives but a fitness activity as little as 20 mins, 5 days a week, can make a difference. It can truly add years, yes YEARS to your life! Love yourself enough to take the first step to adding movement into your DAILY routine and gain these ten benefits. 

 1. It will lift your mood with increased endorphins regulating stress. Your mental health is Vital for wellbeing.

2. It will strengthen your bones and muscle, which is critical for you to maintain with aging. 

3. It will increase your energy level. Yes, you may be tired when you first start, especially if you have been a couch potato, but it quickly disappears.

4. It will reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

5. Your skin will thank you. It creates fabulous healthy skin by reducing the oxidative state which causes aging. 

6. Your brain health improves due to an increase heart rate, which sends more blood and oxygen to the brain. Would you like to be more alert?

7. You will sleep better. What greater reward than a good night’s rest. 

8. You will reduce your pain, yes you heard that right, reduced pain. A major cause of chronic pain is the lack of use.

9. Want to lose Weight? Movement will allow your belly furnace to fire up, burning more calories. A great healthy diet combined with exercise will take away your unwanted pounds. 

10. A better sex life. Exercise is proven to increase sex drive. It is no secret, women 40 and over experience organism more frequently with physical workouts, which decreases stress.

These 10 fabulous reasons are why you need to be moving. Physical activity no matter your age or fitness level is essential. For beginners you can start with walking, tai chi, Pilates, yoga, dancing, swimming, and strength training. You can progress to higher levels of intensity as well as to a ton of other activities like biking, tennis, pickleball. I encourage you to challenge yourselves to try new things, it will help you discover your movement passions. Just as I am suggesting, I tried something new. A few years ago, at the age of 59. I participated in the 27-mile Beachy marathon in England. I ran, jogged, skipped, walked some steps, and was even tempted to roll down a couple hills to finish. I certainly was not the fastest, finishing with only 9 seconds left but I finished and received my Beachy Marathon Medal. I hate jogging and treadmills, so I am still not exactly sure how it happened other than when a fabulous friend says your gonna love this, a bunch of us are going on an amazing trip to England and you will have a blast, you go for it! The take aways from this, it is a treasured memory and it let me know, I will not be running another 26-mile marathon. We all need to discover our likes and dislikes in what we enjoy in physical activity. You do not have to be great or good at a particular sport, it is even ok if you suck, you just need to move and have fun. You need to stop worrying if someone is watching, you need to stop being so judgmental of yourself, and just enjoy the movement. This is about you, your time to take care of you! Your body is your temple, and it is the only place you must live, treat it well. Movement is a PRO aging essential to live a vibrant healthy life. It provides increased balance, better range of motion, strengthens bones, protects joints, increases the happy hormone, and reduces anxiety and stress. NOW is the time to put your MIND into it and start MOVING. Commit to living your healthiest best life.

Smiles, Live an aMAEzing healthy and moving life.

Mae

“Exercise is a celebration of what your body can do, not a punishment for what you ate”

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