WE KNOW THAT . . .

  • Exercise speeds up our metabolism.
  • Exercise produces sweat to release harmful toxins.
  • Exercise produces muscle that burn calories more efficiently.
  • Exercise lowers blood pressure and cholesterol over time.
  • Exercise increases energy, strength, balance, and improves agility.
  • Exercise firms and shapes our bodies, improves our appearance.
  • Exercise burns fat so we lose excess weight.
  • Exercise produces endorphins that make us feel good.
  • Gyms fill with newbies every January. By March 1st, most are gone!

WHY DO WE QUIT AND NEGLECT SOMETHING SO GOOD FOR US!?

I think a major factor is overly ambitious goals. Many set out to achieve a certain size or weight after years of sedentary living. I suggest that a certain size or weight is the wrong kind of goal. Because success is so distant, you will become discouraged before you can even begin to develop the healthy habit of exercise.

HOW DO WE DEVELOP THE HABIT OF EXERCISE?

First, pick a doing goal like . . . taking a daily walk. With a doing goal, success is quite possible. The simple practice of walking daily can radically improve your health. Secondly, solicit support and encouragement. It does take a while to develop a routine that you do automatically . . . without thought or decision. Kudos helps us form the exercise habit, but there never seem to be enough!

ONE RESOLUTION SOLUTION?

Purchase a pedometer, a little band you wear on your wrist like a watch; it counts your steps and your heart rate. Start by measuring how many steps in your normal day. The American Medical Association recommends that we take 10,000 steps per day. How active are you? Your FITBIT or GARMIN will tell you. It is almost funny how being measured makes you move more.

 I am NOT sedentary! I’ll just clean the house today. Only that many steps? Okay, I’ll take a walk. Only that many steps? Okay, I will order one of those Walk-in-your-own-home videos!

Want to really get going? Challenge your friends to a work week hustle. This is so fun! I found myself checking my phone all the time! It also sends you little messages like . . . Way to go! Kudos on your wrist may sound silly, but it works. I am exercising more faithfully than ever before. Please join me in 2019.