Ok so I am breaking with my traditional blog of deep, thought provoking and inspiring stuff to write about another subject I am passionate about~ exercise! Now I am not talking about going to The Gym or some fashionable fitness place with supermodels where you need to be in shape before you go there to work out in order to feel comfortable being there. You don’t need a personal trainer named Sven to help shape your chiseled frame, you just need to move your body.
The human body it made up of approximately 60% water. What happens to water in a pond if there is no movement or inflow of fresh water? That’s right, it stinks. It can become rancid, diseased and full of green gunk. What do you suppose happens to the water in your body if you don’t stir those waters or keep a fresh supply of pure water flowing in and toxic waters exiting? Hold this thought in your mind as we discuss exercise.
Simply put, exercise helps to stir your body’s water by moving. By drinking plenty of fresh water (about 8 8 oz glasses a day) and moving your body intentionally for about 30 minutes 4 days a week, you will begin to reap immediate benefits. Stirring your water is not only energizing and improves appearance, there is also that sweet feeling of “well-being” that comes from knowing you are doing yourself some real good. Notice what happened at Bethesda’s pool whenever the water was stirred, people were healed of diseases. So be an angel to your body and stir those waters!
What kind of movement are we talking about here? This is where you can be creative. Do what you enjoy! Move it like Jagger if you want or like me when I dance, which is a bit more awkward. Put some of your favorite music on your Spotify, close your curtains if you want and bust out all your favorite moves. Get your heart beating faster and do it until you sweat! If the thought of dancing makes you feel that your next move may be to your chiropractor’s table, then try walking. Even if it is a slow walk, if you are getting back into being fit, the point is~ move that body!
For me, I am obsessed with running. Now I realize I may lose some people here. Running is an acquired taste and is not for everyone, especially if you are not use to it. Running, is one of the best ways, in my opinion, of keeping in shape. I learned how to do it at a very young age and have been doing it ever since which is a very long time. It’s great for cardio (heart health), muscle tone and effectively relieves stress. I absolutely love running the trails in the mountains and along the Sacramento River here in Redding. The scenic beauty enhances the total experience and therapy of running.
I would like to add one other thought about exercise which is the three-fold goal of: Endurance, Flexibility, and Strength development. Endurance in the body’s systems can be developed by walking, dancing, Zumba, running, etc; anything that gets the heart beating faster. Stretching and yoga help to promote flexibility and resistance training with weights and isometrics help to develop your muscle strength.
Exercise can add more years to your life and definitely put more life in your years. But keep it simple! Especially if you’re just beginning to be intentional about working out. Beginning an exercise lifestyle does not have to be complicated just remember to Move That Body!
