Exercise


     

Image result for metal roller skates with key     If you are trying to lose weight, and even if you are not trying each of us should be exercising.  It really is not my favorite thing to do, but I know it's important.  I remember as a kid I was always outside doing something that I enjoyed.  I had roller skates that were made of metal and had four wheels.  (Yes I'm old)  If my friends couldn't be outside I would ride down the hill and land on someones lawn to stop.  Bicycle riding was big then too.  Hide and seek, hopscotch, tag, something always associated with moving around.  As I grew I learned how to ski, and at that time it was inexpensive.  I really enjoyed that time of my life. Each of my children played soccer, rode their bikes and enjoyed the outside with hiking and swimming.

     When was the last time you saw children playing outside?  If they are outside a parent is never far away because of all the things that can happen to them, the kids are mostly under watchful eyes.  We also have video games and movies so children are not outside as much.  I think for the most part, the good old days are gone.

     According to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation 1 in 3 children ages 2-19 are obese and are at risk of developing diabetes and heart disease!  There are a lot of factors that are making this happen.  Sitting in front of the TV more than they should and snacking unnecessarily.   Advertisements for unhealthy choices are everywhere, and nearly every food isle at the market contains processed foods.  Some children's parents cannot afford healthy foods.  It's sad to me that fresh foods are expensive.

     Why is exercising so important for us and our children?  I was reading today at  http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389  .  There are 7 benefits to help us in our daily living.

     1. Exercise helps to control our weight.  If we are trying to lose or maintain our weight exercise can helps us.  Some of us can't get in a whole workout throughout the day, but parking farther away, or taking the stairs is a great way to get in those extra steps.  We just got a treadmill so now I have no excuses.  I would like to try to get on it everyday, but it doesn't always happen.  Remember that losing weight is 80% diet and 20% exercise.  We should be exercising at least 3 times a week.

     2. Exercise combats diseases.  I have diabetes and I also have neuropathy in my feet.  If I don't exercise, my feet will burn and hurt at night.  Exercise also helps our cholesterol.  It helps lower the bad (LDL) triglycerides and raises the good (HDL)  I never want to go on a statin drug.  There are so many side affects to those.

     3.  Exercise improves your mood.  Have you ever noticed that after a workout you feel so much better?  This is because exercise stimulates a part of your brain that controls our mood.  It also helps us to feel better about ourselves, and boosts self confidence.

     4.  Exercise boosts our energy.  Our muscles become stronger, boosts oxygen to our muscles and tissues.  When your heart and lungs work more efficiently we have more energy to do what we have to do.  I have noticed this as I work as a CNA for a home health company, and if I exercise before I leave, I have a ton more energy to do what needs to be done.  I almost feel younger.  Almost.  lol

     5.  Helps your memory.  People who exercise do better in school, better on tests, and helps to keep us from zoning out.  I know I could use that!

     6.  Who is sleeping well?  Studies show that if you exercise 15 hours a week, your sleeping improves.  You are less sleepy during the day since you have more energy, and sleep better at night.  I have noticed this.  I crash at night.

     7.  As we age, we have bone loss but if we exercise it can help us to maintain healthy bone mass.  Weight bearing exercises actually is one of the most healthy remedies to combat osteoporosis. Weight bearing exercising includes:
     Walking, jogging or running
     Playing tennis or racquetball
     Field hockey
     Jump rope
     Dancing
     Hiking
     Soccer
     Weight lifting

     Don't try to overdue when you first start out.  When I started at the gym, I think I was on the treadmill for 15 minutes and now I'm up to 40 minutes.  Start small and work up to your goal.  I feel so much better when I workout.  I also drink more water as I sweat like a pig so my body needs the extra fluid which helps to flush everything out including weight.

     Exercise is something I will do the rest of my life.  Don't sit too long.  It causes so many problems.  3 years ago, I got a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) that broke off from my leg and went to my lungs.  Those are deadly, and I was very blessed that I made it through, but it was caused by sitting too long.  I had had a kidney stone and felt rotten and sick.  I gained more weight and then the DVT hit.  I have since learned my lesson and have become more active in my life.


  

5 comments:

lisslalissar said...

"Studies show that if you exercise 150 hours a week, your sleeping improves." 21 hours a day of exercise WILL make you sleep those other four hours! ;)

naomi3 said...

I appreciate your comment, but I don't think I really understand it. How could you exercise 21 hours a day?

lisslalissar said...

I think it's a typo. You say "if you exercise 150 hours a week." 150 divided by 7 days a week is 21 hours a day of exercise.

naomi3 said...

Oh oooops! You are right! That would be a crazy workout day wouldn't it. LOL

naomi3 said...

Lisslalissar, Thank you for pointing that out. I fixed it!