Thursday, November 17, 2011

New runner's must exercise. Everyone must exercise.

The USDA, government’s plump, pink-cheeked marm of food and farm recommends that humans exercise at least 30 minutes or more each day. Actually, just about every doctor, medical professional, PE teacher and grandmother will express to you the importance of getting daily exercise.
Thirty minutes doesn’t seem like much does it? That’s the time it takes to get to work, watch a television show, sit down for a meal.

It is often difficult to budget this much time a day for exercise – but it is precisely what you must do in order to prepare for the Big Thing. In fact, setting aside time – or building your schedule around – any important Big Thing is necessary.

You need to set aside exercise time to have a healthy, longer life. You need to set aside time for a marathon/Big Thing to have a happy, fulfilling life. In other words, the USDA (and me) is saying that you have to set aside time in your so-called busy schedule for the important stuff. Your life depends on it.

We all need to choose to be healthy and actively pursue a life of physical activity. If you’re not active, get active. If you are active, stay active… and try your darnedest to be active the rest of your life. Make it part of your daily life… and while you’re at it, make it part of your kids’ lives too.

Why Exercise?

  •  Physical activity for 30 minutes a day reduces risk of developing or dying or heart disease.
  • Increases  physical fitness
  • Helps build and maintain healthy bones, joints, and muscles
  • Builds endurance and strength
  • Helps manage weight
  • Lowers risk factors for cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, and Type 2 diabetes
  • Helps control blood pressure
  • Promotes psychological well being and self-esteem
  • Reduces feeling of depression and anxiety
  • Decreases the need for Viagra!

And there are so many simple ways to make exercise part of your routine:
  • Walk or ride a bike
  • Use stairs
  • Get off bus a few stops early
  • Mow with manual lawn mower
  • Rake leaves
  • Garden
  • Push stroller
  • Clean house
  • Watch TV on exercise equipment
  • Play with your kiddos
  • Walk 10 minutes to work, during work and after work
  • Oh, and train for a freakin’ marathon!

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