Doing This "One Thing" Changes Everything

If the effects of living a sedentary lifestyle were immediate EVERYONE would make the time to exercise. 


But instead, they come on slowly...insidiously...which cause people to justify their lack of energy, enthusiasm for life and self confidence by saying things like "Who has time to work out?" and "It's not THAT bad." and "I don't have time to do something that is just for me...that's selfish."


  
If you choose not to incorporate physical activity into your daily life, you are running the risk of

• Setting a bad example for your children
• Have a decreased libido or love life as a result of low self esteem and lack of energy 
• Forever looking for clothes you feel comfortable in
• Not living up to your fullest potential in your career because you often have a foggy head and a lack of drive

But don't take my word for it. The American Heart Association offers the following... 




Physical activity boosts mental wellness.


Regular physical activity can relieve tension, anxiety, depression and anger. You may notice a "feel good sensation" immediately following your physical activity, and most people also note an improvement in general well-being over time as physical activity becomes a part of their routine.
Physical activity improves physical wellness.


Reduced Risk Factors

Too much sitting and other sedentary activities can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. One study showed that adults who watch more than 4 hours of television a day had a 46% increased risk of death from any cause and an 80% increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

Becoming more active can help lower your blood pressure and also boost your levels of good cholesterol.

Physical activity prolongs your optimal health.Without regular physical activity, the body slowly loses its strength, stamina and ability to function well. People who are physically active and at a healthy weight live about 7 years longer than those who are not active and are obese. 



In addition to the health benefits listed above, moderate exercise, like brisk walking, can have other health benefits such as:
​

• Improves blood circulation, which reduces the risk of heart disease
  
  
• Keeps weight under control
  
  
• Helps in the battle to quit smoking
  
  
• Improves blood cholesterol levels
  
  
• Prevents and manages high blood pressure
  
  
• Prevents bone loss
  
  
• Boosts energy level
  
  
• Helps manage stress
  
  
• Releases tension
  
  
• Promotes enthusiasm and optimism
  
  
• Counters anxiety and depression
  
  
• Helps you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly
  
  
• Improves self-image
  
  
• Increases muscle strength, increasing the ability to do other physical activities
  
  
• Provides a way to share an activity with family and friends
  
  
• Reduces risk of developing CHD/CVD by 30-40 percent
  
  
• Reduced risk of stroke by 20 percent in moderately active people and by 27 percent in those who are highly active 
  
  
• Establishes good heart-healthy habits in children and counters the conditions (obesity, high blood pressure, poor cholesterol levels, poor lifestyle habits, etc.) that lead to heart attack and stroke later in life
  
  
• Helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases associated with aging and maintains quality of life and independence longer for seniors

How to turn things around?


Commit. Get support. Follow through.


For a cost effective, health focused community to involve yourself in, check out your local YMCA or hit the trails in your area by taking a look at Trail Link, or join an online community like Spark People. You can find motivation, accountability, activity and diet ideas...everything you need with a click of a link. 

It's up to you to take control of your health now so that you don't pay the price later. Doing this "one thing" will indeed change everything!