The clients I work with ask the same question, how can do you make working out part of a weekly routine with my busy schedule? We all understand the hustle and bustle of today’s world from being working 8-5 then putting on the taxi sign from 5-9 as we shuttle our kids from event to event, it is important to find time to increase our own physical activity along with our children’s. Finding time to make healthier lifestyle choices is important not only for ourselves but for those around us. It’s been proven time and time again that eating right and exercising will improve us not only physically but also mentally.
Not only is exercising important for our physical and mental health but what about our cognitive thinking? As we age our body begins to slow down, a study reported in the Journal of Neology the more weight gain during middle age the higher risk of dementia later in life. A combination of strength training and cardiovascular training was proven to keep the cognitive functioning higher as we age. Why? As we exercise we boost our blood supply increasing our body’s cell function including our brain. While exercising we focus on ourselves and our bodies and not everything else that is going on in our lives and as we accomplish our fitness goals we begin to gain confidence and improve our cognitive thinking.
Why not just walk around the neighborhood or park? Don’t get me wrong, this is great for relaxing; however you need to tire the body and really get moving to see results. If you begin to include strength training along with endurance training you will begin to avoid the loop holes of aging. After passing our physical prime (the lovely 20’s) most adults loose 10oz of lean body mass per year mostly in muscle tissue. However, as we age how many of us are actually loosing weight?? In actuality adults are losing 10oz of lean body mass on top of averaging a gain of 1lb of fat per month. Not to mention as the dreaded loose of body density leading to brittle bones and increase chances of fractures (and no this is not just for women). Strength training turns these negatives of aging into no worries.
We all know the great parts of working out, relieving stress, increase in energy, and physically changing our bodies. Don’t get caught up in the numbers on the scales it is much more important to be physically and mentally fit than to fit on a numbers chart that’s been around for years. One thing that pays itself back is the amount of energy you will get back by giving yourself 2-3 hours of an intense workout a week. This energy will simply amaze you as it will also help you get out of your daily routine. Be sure to dedicate the couple of hours that you do schedule to an intense workout designed for you to accomplish your goals and excite you about workout out.
Everything in our lives our scheduled today why not schedule your workout session?
Schedule a time that way you know you are going to make it. Make it a must attend appointment don’t allow yourself to make excuses to skip. Schedule it with a group of friends, colleagues, or even a group from the gym. Studies show that if you know others are relying on you to be there you will keep your scheduled workout appointment. This time could be before work, lunch, or even after work before the crazy night schedule begins.
In today’s economy it is even more important to take care of our health to avoid the added expense of medical cost from disease that could be prevented by taking care of ourselves. Take time today to schedule yourself an appointment to begin exercising on a regular basis. Your physical and mental health depends on it.
Rita Detmer is a state licensed and nationally certified Athletic Trainer at Athletic Workshop located at the Yankee Medical Center on Southview Hospital’s Campus. Rita is a Performance Enhancement Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Rita specializes in helping adults make healthy lifestyle changes by challenging them in traditional and non traditional strength training and cardiorespiratory fitness. Any questions or comments feel free to contact Rita at rdetmer34@yahoo.com
Athletic Workshop is on the campus of Southview Hospital and offers an Adult Fitness Program that can help you get scheduled today. Our program gives you the group atmosphere with an individualized program. www.athleticworkhsop.com
