Working It Out: The Quest to Being My Best

I'm working on myself a lot more these days. I am drinking more water, trying to relax more, making sure I don't do things or deal with people that bring me stress and trying to get into better financial health. Health...yeah that too. I need to work on being healthier. Healthier food choices has helped me lose some pounds but I'm not concerned with weight loss. I just want to be healthier and more active. It's going to be a challenge and a process but I'm game; are you?

My husband rides his bicycle endlessly. He even does indoor training in the winter twice a week. He does yoga as well. I don't know how he does it sometimes. Me? I'm not so active. I work, write, sew, etc -- I'm centered into brain power. But there needs to be a balance in brain and body. I do realize this. And don't get me wrong, I do get some pillates in a couple times a week and soon I'll be adding more cardio. I'm becoming more and more motivated. It's necessary, especially a woman approaching my 40's. Ladies, did you know regular exercising can help tame menstrual cramps and help prevent blood clots? It also helps us absurb more calcium and iron - things we lose as we get older and less active.

I started a self-awareness campaign called REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES. I have curves and love them -- and I'm not promoting unhealthy habits or encouraging obesity. I am encouraging women to love who they are -- But if you love yourself, you'll take care of yourself so you look as well as feel good. I have had a million reasons not to work out but now that those reasons no longer exist (even when they did exist I could have done something), I am focused. Now this lil blog may help you start being more active and healthier too and you can do it — no matter what your size!

Why should you be active?

Being physically active may help you live longer and protect you from:

• diabetes

• heart disease and stroke

• high blood pressure and hyper-tension

• osteoporosis (a disease leading to weak bones that may break easily)


If you have any of these health problems already, being physically active may help control or improve your symptoms. Activity helps your body process foods better and help absorb vital nutrients. Regular physical activity helps you feel better because it:

• lowers your stress and boosts your mood

• increases your strength

• helps control blood pressure and blood sugar

• helps build healthy bones, muscles, and joints

• helps your heart and lungs work better

• improves your self-esteem.

I'm all above that self esteem boost -- feeling better leads to more confidence afterall. Sometimes we start a regimen and it isn't easy. You feel so out of shape you get defeated before you can really give it a fighting chance. Pat yourself on the back for trying even if you don't reach your work out goal first time. I said first time because you aren't going to quit. It'll get easier the next time, you just have to keep at it:

• Start slowly. Your body needs time to get used to your new activity. Don't compare yourself to anyone else -- everyone has their own level of fitness.


• Warm up. Warm-ups get your body ready for action. Shrug your shoulders, tap your toes, swing your arms, or march in place. You should spend a few minutes warming up for any physical activity— even walking. Walk more slowly for the first few minutes.


• Cool down. Slow down little by little. If you have been walking fast, walk slowly or stretch for a few minutes to cool down. Cooling down may protect your heart, relax your muscles, and keep you from getting hurt.


• Set goals. Set short-term and long-term goals. A short-term goal may be to walk 5 minutes at least 3 days for 1 week. It may not seem like a lot, but any activity is better than none. A long-term goal may be to walk 30 minutes on most days of the week by the end of 6 months.


• Get support. Get a family member or friend to be active with you. It may be more fun, and your buddy can cheer you on. I'm going to start doing Yoga with Hubby on Saturday mornings. Being active AND bonding! And I might join my homegirl's Zumba class --


• Track your progress. Keep a journal of your physical activity. You may not feel like you are making progress but when you look back at where you started, you may be pleasantly surprised! I keep a diary of my blood pressure and weight loss -- I've been working to keep both down. I also make note of heightened feelings of stress so I can track common factors.


I find that is very important to have fun. Once something becomes work, you tend to not want to do it. Some of us have that will power to work out no matter what. To those just starting or gettiing back into a routine tend to need extra motivation. When the activity is fun, that is the only motivation you really need. Try different activities to find the ones you really enjoy such as:


• Weight-bearing activities, like walking, dancing and even golfing, which involve lifting or pushing your own body weight.


• Do non-weight-bearing activities, like swimming and water workouts, which puts less stress on your joints because you do not have to lift or push your own weight. If your feet or joints hurt when you stand, non-weight-bearing activities may be best for you.


• Try lifestyle activities, like gardening & planting, which do not have to be planned.

Playing in the park with your kids is physical activity and isn't hard or boring...build a snowman in the winter or go sledding. I enjoy playing in the leaves in the fall -- my alergies are less and the air is crisp (great for your lungs). Anything that gets you moving around— even for only a few minutes a day— is a healthy start to getting more fit. Chances are your doctor will be pleased with your decision to start an activity. Oh and get this....Did you know stretching is exercise too? Yoga is actually a surprising work out. So is pillates!


Stretching can help you:

• become more flexible

• feel more relaxed

• improve your blood flow

• keep your muscles from getting tight after doing all of those other physical activities (lol)

I do a lot of stretching exercises to help tame tight joints and to keep my blood cirulatiing. You do not have to set aside a special time or place to stretch. At home or at work, stand up, push your arms toward the ceiling, and stretchhhhhh. Stretch slowly and only enough to feel tightness— not until you feel pain. That can cause cramping (trust me, I know. Try to hold the stretch for about 30 seconds - and don't bounce. Stretching also wakes up your muscles -- it is a great warm up.

Yoga, pillates and tai chi are types of stretching. They help you breathe deeply, relax, and get rid of stress.

Your local gym or YMCA may offer yoga, tai chi, or other stretching classes. You may want to start with "gentle" or beginners class though if you've never tried them before -- again, it is a work out!

I hope you find this note useful. Speaking as someone who needs a kick in the rear to get in gear, I wanted to share some of my thoughts and findings. Sharing is caring afterall!