Exercise - Exercise is not a sweaty, dirty word unless you want it to be

Exercising is not a sweaty, dirty or hard unless you wish it to be so.  You can have lots of fun exercising by taking a stroll along the waterfront, around your block, at the park, beach or even the mall.  You won't lose any weight for the most part, but you will have greater flexibility, your heart will love you and you will just feel so much better.  Your energy will increase and you may even meet some new friends.
If you are, however, looking to lose weight, increase your endurance,or train for a walkathon, you will need to walk faster, push yourself, climb stairs, hills, and find some uneven terrain in which to explore.  I have been told by some of my friends who lost a good amount of weight that walking up inclines such a hilly areas helped them lose their weight and walking on flat ground did not accomplish this goal.You can also, of course, go to the gym or join an exercise club and do aerobics, use weights, get a trainer, play racquet ball or swim in the olympic size pool.  Most of us do not keep good enough committments to go to the gym enough times to warrant the cost of the membership. If you like to swim go to the community pool or community exercise room and the cost is really quite affordable. 

There is another option to help keep you motivated if you are so inclined and are not motivated by yourself, you could hire a health coach.  What is a health coach you ask, well a health coach is someone who works with you to keep you accountable, and is your support all along the way until you reach your goal or decide to do your goal all on your own.  The coach and the client work together and agree on easy, attainable goals one step at a time.  The coach does not judge or criticitize; the coach is there to be your cheerleader.If you do not feel a health coach is for you, you can ask a friend to be your support, or a family member. 

You should exercise at least 3 - 4 times a week for 30 minutes consistently.  If you exercise one day here and one day there and don't exercise for a month or two you will not reep the healthy benefits of exercising.  Set a goal for yourself and plan out different activities, places to walk and keep your exercise routine exciting.  A quick tip before you go say I will enjoy my exercise time and get great benefit from my time your exercise session will be greately enhanced.

So dust off that bike, shine up those shoes and say these shoes are made for walking and start moving toward better health.  Your body, mind and spirit will love you for it.

If you would like to know about health coaching check out my page

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