Pro-Active at Every Age
by Bonnie Murphy

 

Being pro-active is taking responsibility for your own health and fitness no matter what stage in life you happen to be in.

 

Pro-active is doing everything possible to establish and maintain good health. Re-active is waiting until the body falls apart, then taking massive desperate action through toxic drugs or other measures in an attempt to reverse or cover up the problem.  Which way makes more sense to you? 

 

The answer, of course, is obvious.  Most people I work with are pro-active and want to work on preventive maintenance.  I have been talking this talk and walking this walk for several years, and am convinced that being pro-active is the way to go.

 

If you are in good health now and want to stay that way for years to come, you already know that exercise helps you maintain your fitness level. In addition, exercise helps us feel great. Exercise is truly one of the closest things to the “fountain of youth” we have.

 

When you exercise you can expect lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar; increased bone density, muscle mass, energy and stamina; elevation of mood; loss of inches and fat; a rise in basal metabolism and a decrease in arthritic pain.

 

If you are taking prescription drugs for any of the above ailments, exercise can require your health care provider to reduce or even eliminate some or all of those medications. Wow! Aren’t these benefits enough to motivate you to start an exercise program?

 

The human body was made to be active.  If you think you are too busy to exercise because of your kids, home and spouse/partner, you’re wrong!  We all need to find a way to get at least 30 minutes of dedicated exercise into our day, most days of the week. Additionally, you will find that when you take time for yourself, you will be better for all those who rely upon you. 

 

No one is ever too young to start an exercise program.  Don’t think that just because you are in your 20s you are safe and protected.  The obesity rate is climbing and the 20 to 30 year age group is seeing the most increase.   In fact, it’s currently reported that obesity is the number one killer of young and old alike. 

 

Obesity brings on high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, joint problems, and many more ailments.   Because of all the modern-day conveniences, it’s easy to get in a rut of not moving. This is why we all need to set a plan, start a program and remember that healthy exercise is something we can adopt for life. 

 

Now, if looking at a lifetime is too much, then just take it one day at a time.  Get up and get moving today!  You’ll feel so much better.  Take a walk.  Walk the dog.  Walk to a friend’s house.  Walk the malls.  Do something intentional that will elevate your heart rate. Get in the habit of getting out of your chair and moving.  Put on some music and start dancing.

 

Even if it’s been years since you did anything physical, you can actually regain your strength and stamina.  It is important, of course, to start out slowly and progress at a steady rate.  As you do this, you will become addicted to exercise and it will become a part of your lifestyle! So, enjoy your life. Remain independent.  Invite friends to exercise with you.  If you are really determined and want to join a club or group, don’t hesitate.  You’ll be surprised how many other people at the club or gathering are just starting out and how it’s so much fun to work out with your peers!

 

I am completely blown away when I watch three 90+ year old women complete a 45-minute, non-stop Chair Aerobics class.  Now, perhaps you are laughing when you hear “Chair Aerobics,” or thinking to yourself that sitting in a chair and moving is not much of a challenge.  Think again! I invite anyone of any fitness level to attend a “Sittin’ and Sweatin’” Chair Aerobics class and not feel challenged. 

 

One more thing: let’s remember that sweating is a very important part of exercise. Our skin can actually be categorized as our third kidney, for it is used to eliminate toxins out of your body.  If you don’t sweat, you are really stressing your kidneys by making them do all the toxin elimination. Think of sweating as a way to make your “inner terrain” healthy by getting rid of all the toxic wastes that have accumulated over the years!

 

Being pro-active is taking responsibility for your own health and fitness no matter what stage in life you happen to be in.  It’s really quite basic: the simple task of incorporating more movement and exercise into your life will put you on the road to a healthy lifestyle and a feeling of happiness. Do it now!

 

For more information please contact:  Bonnie Murphy at BFIT and Well. Fitness/Wellness Coaching for the “mature” woman.  Phone:  907.646.4076 Email bonnie@bfitandwell.com; Website: www.bfitandwell.com