Exercise

Ok, we're back. Now that we have returned from Washington state, and we are back into our routine, I can get back to blogging. I've missed it.

I want to step outside my kitchen for a moment. Being good stewards of the bodies Christ has given to us not only involves what we put into it, but also how we take care of it. Just eating the right things is not enough. We have to MOVE! At the beginning of this year, I started an aerobics class at a church in our area. I must admit, I was a bit apprehensive at first, but am so glad I continued. Before that, I had been working out at home on our stepper machine and then the eliptical when that died. I have also purchased some aerobics and strength training DVDs so I can work out on the days I don't have class. I must admit, it is not always fun, but building exercise in to the routine of my day makes me more consistent.

The Mayo clinic has a list of why exercise is good for you. You can see much more information on their website for future study.

1. Exercise improves your mood. When you exercise, your brain produces endorphins. Those are the chemicals that help you feel good. You know how good you feel after eating some chocolate or some other comfort food? Well, exercise can do that same thing, only the feeling lasts a whole lot longer.

2. Exercise combats chronic disease. Someone once told me, "The doctor said that if I would eat right and exercise, I would not have to take my medication." How true that is! I will admit, exercise is difficult. Unfortunately, our mindset in America is so heavily related to having a pill to "fix" everything. Wouldn't it be cheaper in the long run to eat right and exercise? Exercise also helps keep your bones strong which reduces the risk of osteoporosis. I've got a family history of that on my mother's side, so I am more aware of what I need to do to combat that.

3. Exercise helps you manage a healthy weight. It can also help you lose weight. I've struggled with 5 or 10 pounds most of my life, but when I adopted a healthier lifestyle, I began to see a huge difference.

4. Exercise boosts energy.

5. Exercise promotes better sleep.

So many people are turned off by exercise because it's boring. No, it is not always fun, but neither is going to the dentist. However, I value my teeth and my body, so I do both. Find something you enjoy doing. I am not by any means a runner. I hate it. I did it in college, but hated it even then. I do however enjoy aerobics. Exercise with a buddy or find an accountability partner so you stay on track. Don't go beyond what your doctor says is safe, and don't over do it. Right now, I am nearly 19 weeks pregnant, so I do have some restrictions on what I can do. If you have health restrictions, do not use that as an excuse to not exercise. There is something you can do.

There are 3 types of exercises that are important:

Aerobic exercise. This gets your heart and lungs pumping. Things in this category might include running, biking, swimming, dancing, skating, etc..

Strength training. This strengthens you muscles, which helps to prevent injury. Another bonus is that muscles burn more energy then fat. Get more muscles--burn more energy. Everyone can participate in this. This however, does not replace your cardio/aerobic exercise. Strength training also helps to enhance your coordination. I need all the help in that area I can get. You will also strengthen previously injured muscle groups. When I was 15, I dislocated my shoulder 3 times. I spent 3 months in physical therapy strengthening those muscle groups around those ligaments that had been stretched. Come to find out, I have a ligament disorder that affects all of my joints, so strength training is especially important for me so I do not have further injuries. Now that I am pregnant and my joints are starting to loosen due to hormones, I have further motivation to strengthen those muscles.

Flexibility training. Stretches muscles and joints, which also helps to reduce injury.

You need a well rounded exercise program. Don't just focus on one area. If you are interested in a Christian aerobics class, check out www.bodyandsoul.org for a program in your area. This is the program in which I participate. It will vary from area to area. I am not by any means endorsing this program. I just use it and enjoy it. If you cannot afford to take an exercise class or join a gym, you can always purchase DVDs and workout in the privacy of your home. Family Christian Stores has some other Christian exercise DVDs you can buy. However, I do not know anything about these. If you don't care what you workout to, you can always pick up something at Walmart or other stores.

For more information on exercise, especially for kids check out this.

The website for the Mayo clinic.

GET MOVING!