Your Body, Your Responsibility

The gym / exercise / healthy lifestyle, for many of us is nothing but an unwanted chore. The perceived practicality is one of a time consuming and boring burden. For others it’s a guilt edged consideration permanently placed on the backburner.  There are of course those for who looking after themselves is a lifestyle.

This article holds more relevance to those who need encouragement or further information as to why they should exercise regularly.

First of all, nutrition. Our bodies are like Formula One racing cars. (Yes even yours) They are designed to run on the highest quality fuels. I.e. a balanced, varied wholefood diet with plenty of water. It is really worth investing time and money in fresh local produce and preparing it yourself at home. Make your dishes colourful, containing as many different nutrients, vitamins and minerals as you can. Try to reduce your intake of “dirty” processed foods. These effect you negatively even in your day to day life. You don’t perform well physically, you feel drowsy, lethargic and uninterested mentally.                                                                                                                                                                      

Like any car or piece of machinery we all need a good run out too. Up to very recently in our evolution we have constantly been on the move, hunting, gathering and moving from place to place but modern living has slowed us down so much we are inactive. It can feel like we are being clogged up, and in many cases this literally is the case.                                                        A good workout enables us to mentally clear the pipes, push positive “feel good” endorphins around the body and get the blood pumping. You don’t have to run, you can walk, cycle, skate, ski, go to the gym, swim or play a sport. Just get the body moving. Not only does this benefit you mentally but it also puts a positive stress through the body.  We all have our very own personalised vehicle body capable of so much, yet many of us sit down on our backsides all day not using it. When it is working well it is the best feeling in the world. Of course it is. You are getting the most out of it.

 

Change your psychology. Decide to get active. Chose to enjoy it! It honestly doesn’t take long to get into a routine and when you do you will be amazed at the difference you feel and the difference others see in you both physically and emotionally.

 

The media forever remonstrates to us about the health risks and subsequent stress to the NHS caused by our general poor lifestyle. All very true and on its own should be enough encouragement to get fit but it is pretty depressing and people live in the NOW.  I say start exercising not just for your future health but also because it makes you feel great! Move better, eat clean, feel alert and experience life running through your cells. You have to experience it to know it.

 

I appreciate some people simply are not interested, or might be nervous about exercise. All I say is just give some form of exercise ago in a nice comfortable setting for you. If a gym doesn’t work for you try a sport or outdoor activity.  You may surprise yourself.

 

Common reasons people don’t exercise.

 

 'I Don't Have Time.’

How much television do you watch? Can you do something in the adverts or during programs? Can you record your show? 

Be more organised so you can fit in some exercise

Regular shorter sessions instead of infrequent long workouts.

 

 2: 'I'm Too Tired.'

Working out actually gives you more energy. Your body makes feel-good hormones (endorphins), "and you're getting the circulation going.

It may help to work out in the morning before your day gets away from you.

Not a morning person? No problem. Do it whenever you feel best.

Ensure you get a good night’s sleep every night and eat well throughout the day. This will waken you up and improve work productivity.

 

3: 'I can’t Because I’ve got Kids.’

Take the family for an activity they can all join in with. Ie, walking, cycling, rock climbing, swimming.

 

Exercise Excuse No. 4: 'Exercise Is Boring.'

Find a physical activity you enjoy. If you feel like the idea of the gym but get bored then challenge yourself technically (balance coordination reactions) and regularly update and change your routine.  Get a gym partner this really helps motivation. Push each other on and even have a laugh too.   It also makes you more accountable to show up.

 

5: 'I've Tried Before.'

 

Goal setting – make goals small and realistic and continuously update them. You will feel more like a success, not a failure when you hit these goals. Keep a diary, log or blog to help monitor your progress.

If it didn’t work before you may need to change what you’re doing. Hire a recommended trainer.

 

In the end only you are responsible for your body, and no one exercise for you. I believe for the reward of a long healthy, happy life it is worth taking the time and investing in yourself.

Don’t forget there is plenty of help about both professional and social.

 

Jamie-lee

www.jwcorept.co.uk

info@jwcorept.co.uk