Normal People Steps to Better Health - Week 3 Get Moving!

Let's do a quick recap in my effort to introduce some simple steps for "normal" people.  Not health gurus, not fitness freaks, just regular people like you and me.  

Week 1: Eat More Veggies

Week 2: Primary Foods

And this week, I want to mention movement.  

What role does exercise play in your life?  Just honestly ask yourself this question.  

Whether it's none, a little bit whenever you think about doing it or it's a regular or semi-regular occurrence, make a mental note.  Odds are, that if you're a follower or reader here on my blog, you're looking to make an improvement in this area of your life or know that you should.

Consider this:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American College of Sports Medicine recommends that adults ages 18 to 64 engage in a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise spread over three to five days a week. Or do 75 minutes of vigorously intense aerobic exercise spread over three days a week. These minimum recommendations outlined in the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans decrease your risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and osteoporosis.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/145445-recommended-amount-of-cardio-exercise/#ixzz24buIOIV2

This breaks down to about 21.4 minutes per day.  It doesn't even need to necessarily need to be 21.4 minutes in a row, but easily, it could be done once you break it down.

If you're not quite there, then my suggestion is to trick yourself.  I'm a huge advocate of this.

Park in the back of the parking lot when you go shopping, so you have to walk to the front.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.  If, like me, you live in a rural small town.  Face it, there is not too many places you can't easily get to without walking.  (Get your exercise AND save money?!  It's win-win!)  Another great idea? Go dancing with your girls!

Or try something new.  Just start out with telling yourself that you just need to try to get 10-15 minutes each day.  Go for a walk before the kids wake up or after they go to bed. 

And if you're already here, then maybe it's time to take the next step.  So, take a class!  Make the commitment and hold yourself accountable.  You might be surprised how that alone, makes a difference. I had a great quote from my friend Ginger, the owner of Blue Yoga in Fremont, NE.  However, somehow I deleted it!  I do know that she often says that taking a beginner yoga class is a great way to slow down your mind and give it an opportunity to actually listen to what your body has to say. 

How is it responding to new fitness routines? Is it energized? Is it wanting more? Or is what you are doing just right for now?  Taking a yoga class is great for core strength and balance.  It's also a practice in slowing down your mind.  It helps me "clear out the clutter," if only for an hour once per week.  It's surprisingly how infrequently we do this!

Bottom Line? Just get moving if you aren't already!

And if you are, then make a commitment to take it to the next level.  But, make it realistic, so you can trick yourself into a lifestyle change!  I even met someone recently who makes a point to walk by the beach each day.  THAT is movement and what a lovely reprieve as well!  Whatever the word movement means to you, just do it.  You don't have to train for a marathon, but if that's where you are in taking it to the next level, you might consider it.

Learn more about taking some classes with my friends if you are in Northeast Nebraska or Omaha metro areas!  Please tell them The Prairie Healer sent you if you contact them.

Blue Yoga in Fremont, NE - Hatha Yoga, Qi Gong, and coming soon Tai Chi, Zumba, and two more styles of yoga.   

South Method Yoga in Omaha, NE - Acroyoga, Yin Flow, Vinyasa, Power yoga classes available, plus teacher training