The current recommendations for physical activity is at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
As many of you know, the past month I have been increasing my physical activity. Due to the fatigue from my cancer journey, I have had to make slow, yet steady changes to my lifestyle. In the past, I typically would last maybe one or two days with a routine. I would then be to tired or sore to make it to day 3. This time, I have listened more to my body.
Here are just a few tips that have helped me succeed this time:
1--Rest. I find I don't have the energy to exercise if I don't get enough sleep at night. Also, I give myself a day off when I start to feel "run down."
2--Make every movement count. When time didn't permit a trip to the gym, I added extra activity throughout my day. Some examples: I marched in place while waiting for the microwave to heat up my lunch. I did toe raises while standing at the printer. I did a few squats when I went to the bathroom.
3--When I was in the "don't care" mood and didn't want to exercise--I gave myself permission to stop after 5 minutes. Typically, the 5 minutes would lead to 30...just getting started is soooo hard to do.
4--I plan my work out times according to my weekly schedule. I write the times in PEN in my calender.
So, you would think with this healthy living, I would lose some weight...nahhhh...at least not yet! But I do feel better and have a lot more energy. (Can't you tell...with all my blog updates and posting?)
Q. Do you struggle with getting enough physical activity? If you have some physical activity tips, please share them.
6 comments:
Hi Kim! Love the new schedule, and these are great tips. I'm with you on "making everything count" so I park far away and do isometrics while I'm standing in line.
I try to take a little "joywalk" in the middle of the day, especially if it's sunny and warm. Clears my head AND gets my blood flowing!
Kim,
Is that a new photo of you on your blog? Your absolutely beautiful!
I go to the gym three days a week: warm up on the elliptical, then workout for an hour w/a trainer. He's my accountability factor. If I didn't have him, I wouldn't go. Before James died, on the days I didn't go to the gym, I'd walk here on our ranch. It was also one of my favorite places to talk to God. James died on my walking path and since then, I've let the native grasses grow. They're waist high. I've called someone to come with a tractor & cut it, but that doesn't mean I'll get back out there and walk. Other than the gym, like Susan, I park my car really far from the store.
You're making progress. Be proud of how far you've come.
Love & Blessings,
Brenda
I love your new blog look and the tips you are giving. I LOVE the book, "Why French Women Don't Get Fat." I highly recommend it!! The author takes you on her travels and teaches you about lifestyle at the same time. For example, walk whenever you can, park far away, take the stairs, and make walking about the journey rather than the destination! Another personal favorite suggestion is don't deny yourself a good piece of chocolate once in awhile, just make sure it is good. One little piece of good chocolate is more than satisfying but it takes a whole candy bar for cheap chocolate. Anyway, read the book. I loved it!
Kim, I also love your new pic! I like to put exercise on the schedule to make sure it happens (ink is good). Don't be discouraged that you haven't lost weight yet. Meaningful, lasting weight loss does not occur quickly. And what you are doing is great for your health. Keep it up!
Well I did renew my YMCA membership....but...sigh...still have not made it to the gym. The intentions are there, now I just need to get going. Love the look of the blog and your new picture
Love how you write the exercise date in PEN. I could exercise more. I really like to walk outside, so the warmer it gets, the better chance I have of moving.
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