I have to be honest and say that I have not really liked to exercise consistently. I know that it is very important and an integral part of health but there is no love relationship here. I am blessed with a higher than average metabolism and a small body frame, so weight has never really been a worry for me. Genetic factors in other areas have always been a concern. My sister and my daughter have Crohn’s disease as well as family members with Celiac and a variety of autoimmune issues. That being said, I have always tended to focus on digestive concerns with food and nutrition at the top of the list and exercise taking a lower priority.
Don’t get me wrong, over the years I have been engaged in a variety of exercise regimens. These programs will totally date me (they were the originals on VHS) – Callenetics and the original Buns of Steel were some of my favorites. Today I enjoy T-25 DVDs. I have always loved working outside in flower beds and gardens doing all the work by hand. Digging in the dirt and tearing up weeds is a great way to take out frustrations as well as being a pretty good workout. (I have very large flower beds). I reasoned that all this physical labor allowed me to stay in pretty good shape for a grandma (nine grandchildren so far) and I am able to complete some of the crazy obstacles we have built around the farm. However, reality always has a way of haunting you if you get honest with yourself.
My husband was gently, but continually challenging me to commit to daily, consistent, vigorous exercise. We recently read the book “Extreme Ownership” written by two incredible navy seals. (This book is listed on our resources section under Food for Thought.) I was totally busted in this area of exercise, as well as several others.
I began to evaluate myself physically and was convicted that I had many areas to work on (especially if you start to compare you own commitment to a navy seal). I knew that I really needed to tone muscles all over. I had to think through all the reasons I didn’t like working out and come up with my own plan to overcome those reasons. The phrase that I began repeating over and over to myself was “The best exercise is ANY EXERCISE YOU WILL DO”. I totally knew the muscle groups that I needed to work on. I had enough knowledge and experience to come up with my own daily routines that I would enjoy and stick with. I came up with combinations from all the years past of my favorite exercises – ones I knew I liked to do. I also knew that stretching is very important the older I get. I started slow and began working up to more reps every day. I enjoyed my own routine so much that I even found myself doing some of it before I went to bed at night. To my surprise, the lighter exercise and stretching before bed actually helped me relax and sleep better. Now I was consistently exercising and stretching twice a day. I know every navy seal or athlete out there is totally shaking their heads and laughing at me, but I’ll take it.
If I can encourage others out there it is to remember – the best exercise is any exercise you will do – consistently committed. I’ll be your biggest cheerleader. Go Team!
