The dreaded E word. We know we need it, but often avoid it. Science shows its tremendous benefit to us, but we would like to run away from it as much as possible. And if we can run away from it while sitting on the couch munching on chips or chocolate, even better! I’m talking about…(key in the violins playing high pitched notes for suspense)… exercise! There, I said it!
How many of us enjoy exercise? Maybe we would like to exercise, but most of us just don’t do it. And even those who do exercise, don’t seem to be enjoying themselves that much. Who’s ever seen someone jogging or biking by the side of the road with a big smile on their faces? Most of those people look miserable! Sweat coming down their faces and the muscles of their bodies all contorted in agony. Who wants to join in that?
Actually…me! And you should too. The benefits of exercise are too incredible to pass on.
Don’t be deceived by the look of the person exercising. That apparent misery is often determination. And exercise can be enjoyable and fun. I’ve found myself smiling many times during a good workout. And as you begin reaping it’s benefits, you’ll want to continue it! Let me share some of the benefits of exercise.
– Lower risk of early death.
– Lower risk of heart disease.
– Lower risk of diabetes.
– Lower risk of certain cancers including breast and colon.
– Prevention of weight gain.
– Reduced depression, which is becoming very prevalent in our society, especially among women.
– Improved sleep. I used to think I needed to sleep better to exercise, but I’m learning that exercise makes me sleep better.
These are just some of the benefits listed in the book Celebrations: Living Life to the Fullest. I would like to add better mood, a clearer mind, and increase level of energy. People who exercise may not be laughing while doing it, but have a better disposition and outlook in life overall.
Exercise also acts like insulin. People who have diabetes and go for a brisk walk after a meal, have improved blood sugar levels possibly reducing the need for medication. Exercise is a powerful healing tool in the hands of those who have certain medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity.
Isn’t this awesome? Don’t you think the benefits of exercise are just too good to pass? Who doesn’t want to live a healthy and abundant life? The majority of us do, so let’s work on it! One of the safest forms of exercise is walking, which most of us can do. So grab your shoes and head outside to explore your neighborhood, city parks, the mall, or any other place where you can walk. When my son was younger, I used to walk around our house after putting him in bed for the night! If you can get someone to join you in the fun great, but if not, use that time to listen to music, audiobooks, or a motivating podcast. You could practice mindfulness, pray, or think of ways to solve the world’s problems! You could call a friend. The time used in exercising can be great to work on your mental health.
Yesterday, as I was reading about exercise, I decided that I needed to head outside and put into practice what I was learning. I got on my bike and rode around exploring the area, checking out new neighborhoods, and admiring the big mountains that surround this part of the country. The sun was shining and the temperature was perfect. It was a good time to process my thoughts. This morning, while everyone was asleep, I put on my shoes and went for a 15 minute walk. The air was so fresh. Clouds were peacefully resting on top of the mountains. What a wonderful way to begin my day.
Before starting a new exercise program, and especially if you have any health issues, consult with your doctor just to make sure you get a good start. But do start. A healthy life is totally worth it!