We all know people who make thousands of excuses about WHY they can not exercise. In fact, we’ve probably all been those people at one point or another. Even I, the lover of exercise, the known adrenaline addict, the endorphin chaser, have made excuses on more than one occasion about why I couldn’t exercise. It is rare that I skip my workout because truthfully, I LOVE to exercise. I love how it makes me feel. I love the energy I get after I finish. I love how my body looks when I’m consistent and I love that it provides me with much needed me time. 

And that’s why, even though I am working more than most people think possible… I still make time for exercise. I think you should too! I promised myself that while I’m spending my life taking care of others, I would take care of me too. You can’t give what you don’t have and losing your health is the worst mistake you could make.

I decided to start running my freshman year of college (long time ago now… 2003). Since then, I’ve run 2 marathons (26.2 miles), 2 1/2 marathons (13.1 miles), and many 10Ks/5Ks. I ride my spin bike at home, joined the Y, and have a bunch of exercise videos. It only takes 30 mins to condition your heart and you don’t have to train like a maniac (though it’s great if you want intense workouts too). 

If you have a busy schedule, consider making exercise appointments and blocking out a time period where you will be able to give your undivided attention to exercise. Choose activities you enjoy. Multitask (Exercise and catch up on the latest magazine if you must). Skip that re-run of RHOA that you’ve seen 4 times already or if you must watch it, run in place during the commercials. Whatever you do, realize that your body will be much healthier if you make it a priority and decide to include exercise in your daily routine. A perfect morning exercise routine for me is 50 jumping jacks, 25 squats, 15 lunges each leg, 25 crunches, and stretch for 5 mins. If that’s all you did all day, you’d still be in better shape than most.

Our country (USA) is suffering from an obesity epidemic. It truly saddens me that people are losing their lives to preventable diseases. We don’t have to be skinny. But, truly we ALL can be healthy and have healthy BMI’s (Body Mass Index- the ratio of fat to muscle- indicator of health or obesity).

For the next 30 days, make a challenge to do 15 mins of exercise daily. When you reach that goal, set another. Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to being in the best shape of your life. Your body will thank you for it!

Work hard, Play hard. Back to the gym for me!

Make sure to reward yourself!!

With Love,

Sweet T