I have tried over the years to prepare healthy meals, get regular exercise, and drink plenty of water. However, I have decided it is time to “Kick it up a notch!” I thought it would be fun to encourage you to do the same. No matter where you are starting health-wise, you can make a decision today to get REALLY HEALTHY.
I was so excited when my husband brought me home two great pair of new yoga pants (which I had been wanted forever and didn’t want to splurge on), workout tanks, and a two DVD set of Shelly McDonald’s Caribbean Workout Pilates and Pilates Plus. How did he know?
The DVD’s are inexpensive, so you might want to get them for yourself.
Before you scream “YOGA!”, I just want to mention that there was absolutly no meditating on the part that I watched, and, even if there were, I would simply use that time to pray.
I did the first workout today which was the Abdominal exercise. WOW! It hurt! But, my goodness it felt good! It was easy - nothing strenuous and the women really focused on breathing while you workout. It was basically really intense stretching.
Now, some of you may have experiece with yoga or pilates, but I never had. And I am thrilled with how simple it was and I didn’t have to run around or even break a sweat. I had my daughters do the stretches along with me and they had a blast with it - even the littlest ones. What a great habit to begin with my children - by doing exercises with me, I hope to instill a lifelong love for health and fitness. I do expect to have sore abs in the morning, but that is good - I know the exercises are working if my muscles are sore!
Sometimes it can be really hard to get motivated to exercise. Maybe you don’t think it is fun, you don’t enjoy the monotony of it, or maybe you are just so out of shape it really hurts to exercise or you run out of breath after a few minutes. What can or should motivate you to get your body in tip top shape?
Do you think that Christ wants you to be unhealthy? Of course not! Being physically helps you stay healthy, prevent illness, and live a long vibrant life. The Bible tells us that we are “worth far more than rubies!” You are a precious child of the Most High God! Take the time today (and tomorrow…) to focus on your health and get fit.
If you aren’t interested in Pilates, walking 15 minutes each day is one of the most effective ways to lose weight, lower your cholesterol, and feel better. I love walks in the morning before I get going with my day. I use that time to pray and focus my mind and heart on the things God would have me do each day.
Something like a new workout video can be fun - I was at the point where I needed a change in my exercise routine. And it feels like I am pampering myself to take 15 or 20 minutes during the day to stretch and focus on “me.” While doing that, I am setting a good example for my children.
Goals for this week:
- Exercise once a day, 5 - 6 days out of the week.
- Drink plently of water - Divide your weight in half and drink that many ounces of water during the day.
- Cut out snacking.
Learn to love yourself as much as your family does. And treat yourself right!
