Years ago, my husband often encouraged me to move more – ‘Exercise’, he’d say!

He’d tell me how good it would be for me.

But to be honest, I was a couch potato and not very active at all besides running after kids, cleaning, working, and doing all the usual errands involved with running a household and raising a family.

He’s always been athletic and healthy in that way, and just couldn’t understand why I wasn’t!

I just didn’t get it. I didn’t understand the true benefits of exercise.

It took me years to comprehend why it was so important to my husband that I get more movement into my day.

I wish I could say that I just decided to be more proactive and get my butt in gear. Sadly, it wasn’t until my health was in jeopardy and I had no choice about it that I knew I had to make a change.

Humans are funny when it comes to exercise. We rarely do something until we absolutely HAVE to. The cancer or heart attack survivors are far more motivated to create a healthy lifestyle for themselves when they’ve been faced with the prospect of losing their life because of their unhealthy habits.

I certainly don’t want you to get to that point, so let’s chat about starting now. If you haven’t yet made daily movement a part of your regular routine, it’s time to incorporate some good, healthy movement into your lifestyle.

Why?

Regular daily exercise improves your health on all levels – not just physically being fitter and stronger, but psychologically and even soulfully too.

Here’s how moving more will improve your overall health and longevity:

• heart health
• brain health
• muscle and bone health
• diabetes prevention and sugar control
• arthritis reduction
• reduces stress
• boosts moods
• improves sleep

Convinced yet?

The benefits of exercise come from improving blood flow, and reducing inflammation and blood sugar levels. They come from moving your muscles (including your heart muscle) and pulling on your bones.

Now, I’m not saying go crazy with exercise.

You don’t need to go overboard at all to get these amazing health results. Actually, just as little as 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 days a week is enough.

The benefits listed above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the health benefits of exercise. You don’t have to do a particular kind of exercise. All four types of exercise have health benefits.

When it comes to good health and happiness and finding more balance of mind, body, and soul, self-care plays an important role. Make self-care a priority every day by starting your day with a few things that support your mental and physical health.

• They are:
• Endurance (brisk walking, jogging, yard work, dancing, aerobics, cycling, swimming)
• Strength (climbing stairs, carrying groceries, lifting weights, using a resistance band or your body weight, Pilates)
• Balance (standing on one foot, Tai Chi)
• Flexibility (stretching, yoga)

Just 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week vastly improves your overall health. Since there are different benefits for different types of exercise, try mixing up what you do throughout the week.

You don’t even need an “official” workout. Don’t forget, all exercise counts, even if it’s not doing a sport or if you’re not attending a gym.

Weekend hikes, walking to the store and doing household chores also count towards your weekly exercise and movement goals.

And there’s that wonderful benefit of more energy! Who doesn’t want to get to the end of the day with energy to spare?

Exercising your body regularly is one of the most powerful tools we have for increasing our energy levels and you don’t need to do a lot to reap the benefits.

A physical activity as simple as walking, yoga or a leisurely bike ride (for 20-30 minutes!) can do so much more for your energy than a cup of coffee or an energy drink ever could.

If you’re just starting out adding movement to your routine, then pick something you enjoy doing. Get some accountability on your side such as a digital exercise tracker or a buddy, and just start.

Pro Tip: The food you eat also plays an important role in your energy levels! (more on THIS important topic in a future blog post too).

In addition to getting regular exercise, be sure to fuel your body with whole foods throughout the day and stay hydrated to keep your energy levels up and maintained.

Here’s another consideration: when your body gets the rest it needs on a regular basis (as in…enough deep, regenerative sleep), you’ll have the energy to get through your busy day and have even more to spare! More on getting a good night’s sleep in a future blog post.

Now it’s your turn…

I’d love to know what type of exercise or movement you incorporate into your day.

1. What is your favorite way to exercise?
2. How often do you exercise?

Reply or comment below and let me know.

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And if you’re not moving your body regularly already, I’d love to help you get started with a routine that feels right for you – or help you make your movement plan more effective.

I invite you to email me at lwadsworth@verizon.net to schedule your FREE ‘Healthy Living’ Breakthrough Call so we can set up some healthy lifestyle changes that’ll leave you feeling more energized and full of life.

Recipe (exercise recovery): Coconut Water Refresher

Serves 2

• 1 cup coconut water
• 2 cups watermelon
• ½ tsp lime juice
• 1 dash salt
• 1 cup ice
• 2 tbsp chia seeds (optional)

Instructions

Blend the first four ingredients until well mixed. Add ice and pulse until ice is crushed.

Pour into glasses or water bottle and add chia seeds. Shake/stir before drinking.

Serve & enjoy!

Tip: The chia seeds add extra fiber, protein, and omega-3s.