Now here’s the thing, I am an exercise slacker and have no real physical fitness success to my name. I start out strong every year and then apathy sets in which leads to failure in maintaining any real form of exercise. I confess I have never felt an endorphin in my life! Then by Autumn, I tend to get another burst of exercise inertia and continue until cold weather, which then leads to another siesta in my exercise routine. Add in sickness and being tired all the time and my motivation leans on nonexistent. What does it actually look like to be healthy anyway?
There you have it! You can plainly see I am writing this as much for me as for you.
Guidelines For Exercising (CDC)
Adults need at least:
2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) every week and
muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).
1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., jogging or running) every week and
muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).
An equivalent mix of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity and
muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).
When I read these guidelines I immediately feel overwhelmed and too tired to exercise. What is your reaction?
First, take a look at your situation. Are you a young Mom who has no time and energy? Do you have specific health conditions that you need to consider? Do you work at home or outside the home? Do you need to consult a doctor before starting an exercise regimen?
Secondly, make a plan and get an accountability partner. You will have much greater success if you exercise with someone else or just ask a friend or spouse to ask you weekly how you are doing with your exercise.
Third, set specific goals. Before you set your goals, take a moment to pray and ask God what is a realistic goal for you. It will do you no good to set unrealistic goals. Think about your personality type, life stage, health issues and your present state of physical fitness then make your goals.
Help For The Exercise Slacker
- I am a 49-year-old woman with several autoimmune diseases. I am a wife, and homeschool mother of six, 4 of whom are adults now. One of my children has special needs. I am a work-at-home Mom and a Christian Homemaking blogger.
- I asked 2 of my daughters, my husband, and a friend to be my accountability partners. I also put my exercise goals on my prayer list. (I need all the help I can get.)
- After much prayer and research, I decided my realistic exercise regime would be walking a mile 5x a week and taking a weekly “Holy Yoga” class at my daughter’s Christian Dance Studio. (Leap of Faith Dance Company)
Tips To Overcome Exercise Opticals
- Walk with your children…it’s good for them too. Pushing a stroller is great exercise.
- Schedule exercise into your day.
- Put it on your daily “To Do” list.
- In inclement weather, walk your stairs or pop in an exercise DVD.
- Put on some music and dance with your kids for 20 minutes.
- Reward yourself. Figure out what motivates you and reward yourself if you meet your weekly exercise goals.
- Walk with your husband. It is accountability and marriage enrichment all rolled up into one.
- Pray…when you are all done ask God to give you energy.
- Don’t think of it as exercise. Rename it as a nature walk or time with family and friends.
- Listen to music, podcasts, or downloads to redeem your exercise time. (I listen to Truth for Life with Alistair Begg)
I am signing off and going for a walk…
YOUR TURN…
What are you doing for exercise this year?
Blessings,
*Yoga is a controversial subject and I personally do not agree with the principles behind Yoga. I am incredibly blessed to have the option of a Christian Yoga class where the Word of God permeates every area of the class.
*I am not a medical practitioner. Please consult your physician before starting an exercise routine.
