Exercise: Day 10

It doesn't care what your income is. It doesn't care what you have done in the past. It doesn't care that you are tired and overwhelmed. It doesn't care that you don't know what your doing. It doesn't care that you don't feel 'good enough' or 'skinny enough'. It doesn't care that you 'think' your to out of shape. 'It' is EXERCISE. 

You've probably heard countless times how exercise is "good for you." But did you know that it can actually help you feel good, too? Exercise benefits every part of the body, including the mind. For me, that is the best benefit I get from exercising. If you have been reading for any amount of time you know my love for dance and zumba. The 60 minute 'dance party' energizes me both mentally and physically. There is also something to be said about being consistent. I have many women in the zumba class I go to ask me if I miss classes. For some reason that question always makes me laugh. The class is only three days a week. Do I miss? Sometimes, when my family has something that I have to be at or carpool too. However, I do everything in my power to take 60 minutes, three times a week to do something that gives me energy, is great for my body and most importantly my mind. The difference for me mentally is HUGE. 

Did you know... Exercising causes the body to produce endorphins that can help a person to feel more peaceful and happy? Hence the reason you go in the class feeling stressed and tired and leave feeling refreshed. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and helps you to approach life the way it should be approached. Hopeful. 

I have many friends who do all different types of exercise routines. I do think there is something to be said to working out with a group and being consistent. You are then able to establish a sense of community and encouragement. So, whether you take zumba classes, crossfit, spin, run with a friend or go to a gym the important thing is that YOU DO IT. Stop making excuses. I can promise you the rewards will be plenty. 

Do you have a fitness goal? If you don't have one make one. Maybe it's just exercising for 20 min a day during the work week. That's 100 more minutes of exercise you will have done than if you did nothing at all. 

Here is a fun clip from 'The Biggest Loser' to prove to you that 120 lbs or 300 lbs anyone can get moving and actually enjoy exercise. This is one of the many reasons my heart belongs to zumba and I became a zumba instructor! You can't help but smile.  

xoxoxo,

I’m sharing A Journey of Health each day during October as a part of the “31 Days” challenge