Move it - It will make you feel good!!

Exercise...our bodies need it, our minds crave it and yet it can be one of the hardest things to make ourselves do!  Often, tHe first thing to go fro ous schedules when we get busy is exercise.  This time of year is especially challenging - it gets dark early, it's cold, rainy, cloudy, we're busy, stressed, let's see, how many more excuses/reasons can I come up with - you name it, we'll justify it!

One of the best things I've done for myself from about the age 15 is that I have exercised.  I started out doing aerobics with my mom and running with my friend Shannon and have been more or less consistent ever since.  Sometimes it is more less than more, but hey, that's life.  It is the one thing that simultaneously helps my body and mind.  I am a nicer, calmer, better person when exercise - if you aren't consistently moving your body - try it! The hardest part is getting started!  And I promise, you will never regret it!

Through the years, I have done many different types of exercise - boot camp classes, triathlon classes, half marathons, dance classes, Body  Pump, Pilates, yoga, spinning, you name it, I've probably tried it and I do love variety.  And yet, I don't consider myself an athlete and I would venture to say that I don't look like an athlete.  Why do I do it?  Because I can eat more, I feel better, I'm more positive, I eat better, I have muscle tone, it sets a good example for my kids, and finally to not exercise is not an option for me.   Here are some things that I do to keep myself motivated:

- Exercise with friends/family,  there is always someone who will want to do what you are doing - walking, running, hiking, biking taking a class, etc.

- Find what works for you - I find that belonging to a gym does to work for me; it is too easy not to go, there is no accountability, it's smelly, there are often old naked women walking around in the locker room, I prefer exercising outdoors.

- Variety is key, it is hard to stick with something you are bored with, plus it is better for your body to mix up your routine as well.

- Sign up for an event - fun run, race, walk, triathlon, cycling event, etc. - it will help you stay motivated and will push you to get ready for it.

- Classes work better than gyms; if I want to try something new or mix up my routine, a class at the local community center is the way to go.  For some reason it is easier to go to a class that is on a specific day/time for a certain amount of weeks than going to the gym.   I don't know why that is true, but it is.

Get out there and move! Use those muscles, protect your bones, increase your metabolism, there really is no downside.  Move it or lose it people!   I'm off for a run myself!