Healthy Exercise? Is There Any Other Kind?Yes! I specifically say healthy exercise, because it's definitely an area where it's possible to overdo it. I've had several exercise-based injuries over the years, and they've all been from not listening to my body's messages. The worst injury I had was when I had a sore hip (a recurring problem for me), and I tried to run through the pain, hoping it would go away. I've since learned that healthy exercise includes: 1) enjoyment (if I don't enjoy the activity, then it's not ideal for my overall well-being). 2) moderation. This doesn't mean it can't be vigorous, it's just important to keep a balance, so if one day is particularly hard-core, then the next needs to be gentler. 3) variation. My body does best when I mix it up. It seems the monotony of one activity (ie running), repeated over and over, takes a toll on my joints. If I alternate (ie swimming, walking, volleyball, biking) my joints are happier, I reach a greater variety of muscles, and I keep myself interested at the same time. A trick that works really well for me is to incorporate movement into my daily life, instead of making it a separate thing that I need to do. For example, if I plan a meeting at the cafe a mile down the road, then walking there and back becomes part of my day, rather than something I have to do at the end of it. One of my favorite ways to get my blood flowing, especially when I'm tired, is to turn the music on, and just dance for 10 minutes. I'm always smiling at the end, and I've found that my baby daughter LOVES this! If I dance with her in my arms or in the sling, then I get a bit of extra weight training in as well ;). Just try dancing for 10 minutes while holding a squirming 18 pound weight! You certainly feel it in your arms :) One thing I need to say here is that when I DON'T exercise, I feel yucky, I become moody and lethargic, and my immune system suffers (I tend to get sick easier). I still need a reminder, every once in a while, of how important it is for my well-being. It's one thing that should be a top priority for me, but sometimes falls down the list a bit. I find that when life gets busy, if I make the effort to keep exercise a priority, I never regret it. Do you have an inspiring or motivation story about how healthy exercise has helped you or changed your life for the better? Please share it with us
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