Columnists
I feel the burn
The answer to your question is, “Yes”. Yes, I still go to the gym. I go because I like working-out. I go because I like feeling strong. I go because I like the challenges I set for myself. I go because it’s part of my quest to be healthier than I am, right this very moment. I go because workingout helps me to cope with Sjogren’s Disease/ Syndrome/Annoyance/PITA. So, before you ask the next question, I won’t be “finished with the gym” anytime soon. I am well aware working- out in a gym atmosphere isn’t everyone’s protein shake. I get it. What I don’t get is why someone would think it’s okay to say they’d never workout because they don’t want to get too many muscles? The thing is, you’ve been blessed with about 650 skeletal muscles and you won’t get more by going to the gym. What you will get are muscles which will do the job of making you more mobile, more flexible and more upright. You don’t get that sitting on your gluteus maximus wondering why you’re out of breath when you climb the stairs.
So, here’s the deal. You don’t need a gym membership to become a healthier person. And, it’s as good a time as any to make a promise to yourself to be a better version of who you are. However, you do have to be honest with yourself about the current state of your physical health. Bending over to pick up the newspaper from the front walk is not enough exercise but, going for a twenty minute walk before reading the morning paper is a good way to start the day. Walking is an excellent way to lower your blood sugar levels. Additionally, regular walking routines have been known to lower blood pressure by as much as fifteen points thus reducing the risk of stroke by more than twenty percent. Studies have shown that people who make walking a regular part of their exercise routine (30 minutes or more, five days a week) had a 25 to 30 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease. But any amount of concentrated, physical exercise can lead to dramatic improvements in your overall health. Maybe twenty minutes seems like a lot but, it’s ten minutes out (don’t be afraid to time yourself) and ten minutes back. You have a responsibility to yourself, and your family, to deal with the health risks associated with being inactive and, perhaps, overweight. Fresh air, combined with activity, can improve the oxygen flow to your brain. How can that be a problem? The worst thing that can happen is that you’ll feel energized. No, wait, the worst thing that can happen is you mood will improve. And, think about it, how much does it cost to go for a walk? Now, combine the exercise with healthy eating and drinking (more than a shot-glass full of water a day) and the side-effects will be amazing.
Wait a minute. I didn’t mention side-effects? Think about it. Drop the junk food and processed garbage (don’t blame the fast food industry for your spare tire, please and thank you) and fill your plate with green veggies, legumes, lean protein and whole grains and you’ll be treated to three side-effects. All of them are pretty great. First of all, you’ll notice they weren’t really skinny jeans, even though you’ve told everyone they were and have said it so often you believe it yourself. Secondly, if constipation is an issue (and it often is if you don’t eat right), you’ll have a much better relationship with your digestive system than you’ve had in a long time. Water and fibre-rich foods will do that to a person. The third side effect is my favourite. And it’s how freaking self-righteous and sanctimonious I feel when I’ve eaten properly and had a great workout. And who doesn’t like a dash of smug in their kale smoothie?
Comments (0)