“Motion is Lotion”

“Motion is lotion.”  That’s what my vet told me when my dog (Guinness, my wonderful Bernese Mountain Dog and my ‘first born’!) had joint problems.  We all know this.  Exercise has so many different benefits:  It makes us physically stronger and healthier, emotionally happier and healthier, and of course it helps us with our weight and appearance.  For those of us that have osteoarthritis (“Osteoarthritis affects an estimated 27 million Americans” WebMD), It’s very important to keep moving.  “Move it or lose it.”  Remember what happened to the Tin Man?  Even the oil didn’t help until he started moving!      

The WSJ reported that “Medical experts say inactivity poses as great a health risk as smoking, contributing to heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, depression, arthritis and osteoporosis. ”  And the WSJ displays this infographic which shows that even periodic exercisers benefit from movement with an increased immune response against colds.   

Here are 50 Reasons to Exercise, to get moving and get our blood flowing (which delivers oxygen and all the raw materials our bodies need to every cell.):  

 

So, do our number of reasons to *not* exercise out number these reasons *to* do it?!  We can pick one, or several, from the above list and give ourselves a reason to take time to take care of ourselves.  For those of us who like a challenge, The challenge is to move more!  For those of us who work better with a gentle push, I strongly suggest we move more!  Just a little more than yesterday to start.  And keep it up for a month.  Just a month, and see how you feel.  At that point we probably won’t want to give it up!  A brisk walk is inexpensive and a great way to engage our bodies in a little activity.  And we can get some sunshine and fresh air, too.  (Please do not start an exercise routine without consulting with your physician.)

And remember, moderation and balance in all things.  Going from zero to sixty might be an attractive quality for a sportscar, but we don’t want to push ourselves to the point of injury (and the inability to exercise!)  

Tips for starting an exercise program:

1. Contact the doctor to make sure all systems are go.
2. Choose an activity that is enjoyable.  (Otherwise it’s drudgery, and it should be fun.)
3. Choose an activity that is available.  (Choosing skiing if we live in the tropics probably isn’t the best choice!)
4. Determine a time of day that works.  (If I don’t go first thing in the morning, I never make it.)
5. Enlist a buddy or support system if possible.
6. Eat regularly, starting at breakfast, to fuel our bodies.
7. And always hydrate before, (during if it’s strenuous), and after exercise.
8. Start slowly and work up to more strenuous activity.
9. Feel great!