Exercise: How to “make it count”
* In order for my exercise “to count” it has to hurt
*In order for my exercise “to count” I have to do it 6 days a week, for at least an hour
*In order for my exercise “to count” I have to feel worn out after
*In order for my exercise “to count” I can’t eat anything “bad” after
Ok, do any of the above statements sound vaguely familiar? When you see it written down, doesn’t it looks somewhat abusive? Many people create totally unrealistic expectations of what their exercise should look like. And when they don’t live up to those expectations, it’s thrown out the window all together!
The Center for Disease Control has posted exercise guidelines for healthy adults. It states that in order to reap the health benefits from exercise, try to aim for 30 min of moderate exercise most days (not all) of the week. THIS INCLUDES: walking, riding a bike, doing water aerobics, mowing the lawn…perhaps hula hooping?
NEWS FLASH! You do not have to rake your body over the coals to benefit from physical activity. So lets let go of unrealistic, black and white goals around exercise. Your best bet to “making it count” for the long run is to find exercise that you not only enjoy but can sustain.
**Note: I tell all of my clients that a pre-requisite to any physical activity is consistent, adequate nutrition.
What are you feel-good exercise tips?
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This post came at the perfect time. I am working to cut back some more on my excessive exercise. I definitely have a list in my head of what I have to do to make my exercise count, but that list is being edited!
Fabulous, I’m so glad Amy! Keep us posted on your revised list. I’d be interested to see it. 🙂
Reading the above statements was like reading my own thoughts- thank you for reminding me to correct my destructive beliefs about exercise!