More Tips on Diet and Exercise

The word aerobics came about when the gym instructors got together and said, "If we're going to charge $10 an hour, we can't call it jumping up and down."  -Rita Rudner 

As I have said in previous blog posts, I occasionally have conversations with people about diet and exercise and they will admit that they don’t get enough of either.  For many this does not involve simply not getting enough exercise, but rather they are not exercising at all.  There is a difference between being active and getting proper exercise.  Many of my colleagues in ministry will admit to rarely if ever engaging in any form of cardiovascular exercise.  Combine this with being overweight, overworked, and stressed out and you have a dangerous health situation.  A little over a year ago I began a daily workout routine and I can honestly say that it has made wonderful difference in my outlook and my overall health.  As I have previously stated, if I can do it, so can you. 

Consider these strategies for getting in shape and engaging in a form of exercise:

• Try walking every day with a friend.  Many years ago my wife Andrea decided that she needed a form of exercise.  Through a conversation with an acquaintance she discovered that this person enjoys walking.  Andrea began walking with her and sometimes another lady, and she has kept this up for about ten years.  Before her cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery she was walking as much as five miles a day, five mornings a week.  It is going to take a while to get back to that pace, but I have no doubt she will.  She has also developed enriching friendships with her fellow walkers. 

• Take a careful look at your eating, and drinking, habits.  I know a young man who struggled with his weight throughout his teenage years.  He began a strict diet, and over a period of a year and a half went from 225 pounds down to 170.  Did he have a secret diet plan?  Not really; he simply cut out all soft drinks and sweets from his diet, started eating more vegetables, and began a regimented exercise program involving calisthenics and running.  No fad diets, no expensive workout equipment, but rather he adjusted his eating habits and began exercising 

• Start off small and work your way up.  Don’t go out today and try to walk or jog five miles.  Start with walking a small distance and then increase this over time.  Personally, I am not a fan of jogging as this creates tremendous stress on the knees and ankles.  A brisk walk will provide the same benefits without the stress on knees and ankles. 
  

• Make your exercise routine fun.  Whatever form of exercise you are doing be sure to have fun with it.  Play tennis, ride a bike, take up handball, or just go for a brisk walk every day. 

As with any exercise program, be sure to talk with your doctor first. 

It’s going to be a great day!