Exercise is one area where people often feel defeated. According to a recent study 69% of adults are overweight or obese in the U.S. Getting off the couch to get your heart pumping is imperative! Read that last sentence again and throw your excuses out the door. We wouldn’t think of leaving for work without brushing our teeth, combing our hair or getting dressed. However, we often skip one of the most important parts of a healthy lifestyle: Exercise. Trust me I know it’s easier to sit on the couch with a favorite cup of coffee and talk about ‘needing’ to take a walk. But talking about it won’t change anything for the good. 

So, where do you start? Well, how about one step at a time? One reason people become defeated and quit is because they set the bar so high they can’t seem to ever measure up. It seems the favorite time to join the Y is the month of January. New Years Resolution I think we call it? Then one meeting and a couple late nights and we never get in the habit of going. Typically newbies walk around the Y wondering what the heck they are supposed to be doing. So, within a short amount of time it seems like time is wasting and we stop going. At least that’s my story. I’ve joined the Y more times than I can remember. 

Here’s the deal, before you think of running a marathon you must first develop a habit of getting up early enough to exercise 4 or 5 days a week. So, start slow. This is a journey. If you haven’t moved any faster than your walk to the dinner table for the last few months / years then start out by walking around the block. Spend 20 minutes each time you exercise to get your heart rate up. Also, talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about exercise and your current health situation. A couple things you need to know. It is totally okay to walk your dog. Whatever you do, do not walk your cat. That wouldn’t be cool! 

Exercise is one thing that will help raise your good cholesterol (HDL). So, let’s get to it!

By the time there’s another article about exercise you should be in a habit of walking most every day. Your heart is counting on it!