Exercise — the sculptor that molds the clay |
OK..being on the Best Life Diet for two weeks, it was highly recommended at the beginning of the plan for my activity level to increase while following the plan. Hmmm…how many more things in life need to point to me needing to exercise? Staggering obesity rates in the U.S.? Staggering early-onset diabetes rates? The increase of stress-induced illnesses in our society? There is not one non-healthy benefit to exercise and it helps to prevent a multitude of ailments, relieve stress, increase libido, etc. So why is it SO HARD to be motivated to do it?
My theory…I truly believe that “working out” as an activity has originated from of history of being considered “vanity”…in the old days it was just body builders…hard core and considered vain by many. Now that stigma still is in the air. You know what I’m talking about–the looks you get at the office if you leave on time to go work out, or have a little later of a lunch to get your workout in, if you schedule a meeting around your workout, etc….people are naturally inclined to have a specific judgement about that…and more often a negative one if they are not on the exercise bandwagon. Even at home with all the chaos…workouts are consistently not prioritized over children, caring for family, etc.
Here is a way to shake that up: If you had a disability or injury and had to undergo physical therapy to make yourself healthier, would anyone question it? NO. Would taking care of yourself in effect help everyone in your family and contribute to your job positively (you living longer, being more fit, less stressed, etc.?) YES. You need to see exercise as important as this.
How do you do it? Ask. I had a talk with my husband and colleagues that I was trying to be healthier and that I really needed their support. You know what? It totally worked…and even better…I’m more motivated because I don’t want my husband or co-workers to see me eating poorly or slacking on exercise…I’ve asked for their support so I can’t let them down either.
When you finally get on the bandwagon you realize the only one truly keeping exercise from happening is you. Take an hour for yourself this week and focus on making yourself better physically–whether it is working out or walking with your dog…YOU are a top priority. I’m so glad that the Best Life Diet promotes this as well and I’m even more inclined to stay focused.
Have a great weekend everyone!
January 18th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Mary Ellen, I love reading your blogs and relate to your postings and openness during what must be a challenging but inspiring change of lifestyle. It’s true that exercise can feel like a selfish priority when so many other responsibilities are asked of us–the first task, seemingly indulgent, to be sacrificed. But, your comments on the larger impact of a healthy lifestyle on family, spouses and friends — not to mention work performance — are dead on. When are the results of being healthier not positive?
I especially relate to your comments on injuries and therapy–and how much more disciplined we are in these circumstances than in the day-to-day (though, it’s clear, daily fitness is preventative to injury). Currently in physical therapy for two broken limbs, I’ve had to face the challenge of committing to two-hour therapy sessions during lunch hour. Anxious about the perception at work, I dreaded those first days of being visibly gone from my desk for such a long stretch, but was relieved–though, when I think about it, not surprised–to find that people who are sincere colleagues and friends wouldn’t question my taking care of my health. (In fact, I think they would have less respect if I didn’t take my recovery seriously.)
So, keep us posted and in touch with your progress as we work on ours. We love your comments and know you’ll continue to inspire…!
January 18th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Mary Ellen, I’m so proud of all you have accomplished in just the first few weeks. Your blog reminds me that getting to a gym is my top priority today! Once I’m there I love it, but getting there is the problem. Especially when the phone is ringing, the emails are pouring in, the household tasks are calling my name and so is my husband. How many directions can a woman be pulled at once? I should just start sending myself emails and voicemails to remind me that taking care of my health and wellness is #1 on my to do list. Keep up the great work!
January 18th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
Mary Ellen,
I was so inspired your intelligent comments on keeping fit. I have been on a diet my entire life, never really reaching any particular goal weight - but my reasons were only ‘to be thin’ not to have a healtier or a more fit life style which would benefit not only me but my children and husband. Perhaps if my ‘bikini’ was less self serving I would have reached that ‘ weight goal’ and have been healthier and a better wife and mother! Thank you the ‘alert’ — well done and well said.
January 18th, 2007 at 11:55 pm
Mary Ellen, this was eloquently said. What a perfect reminder that we often don’t take action until were in crisis or dis-ease. Even our health care system doesn’t by and large support preventative measures such as exercise and nutrition “therapy”. Much more economical to pay for a bypass I guess.
January 23rd, 2007 at 10:06 am
Way to go Mary Ellen! I have to constantly remind myself that exercise is an investment in *me*. We have a goal coach at work, and he made us block out our schedule for each day - at the top he wrote that we need to schedule in one hour of exercise and two hours of personal/family time each day to be successful. I have been trying so hard at my new job, I feel like I have to work all the time and I feel guilty for taking “me time”. I need that reminder that if I don’t exercise, I won’t have the stamina to reach the rest of my goals. Keep up the good work!