BE GOOD FOR GOODNESS SAKE

I am always amused when clients define themselves, food or an entire day by the terms "good" or "bad". 

This judgement is usually determined by their actions, or an event that has occurred. I typically remark that both adjectives seem a bit extreme. People, food and a twenty four hour period are neither good nor bad. They just are.

Now the real value comes in observing something. If I determine that a certain behavior or food item may be harmful to me, I may consider eliminating it. 

Rather than waste time replaying and criticizing, it may be more helpful to decide what to do about it.

SPRING IT FORWARD

Adding small activities level can assist in your health. By gradually adding more physical activity into your daily routine, you can work toward a goal of at least 30 minutes a day of physical activity.

1. Instead of sitting and talking, go for a walk with family and/or friends.

2. Walk around the soccer, baseball fields instead of sitting on the sidelines as your children practice.

3. Walk or bike to do errands.

4. Practice good posture when you're forced to wait in line. Stand firmly on both feet and try to raise the top of your head to touch an imaginary hand held a quarter-inch above you. Let your spine extend, stomach lift, shoulders relax and arms fall to your sides.

5. Carry your own groceries. And park in the farthest parking stall and walk.

6. Take the stairs.

7. Walk during your work breaks

8. Walk while you're talking on the phone.

9. Take your dog for a walk. If you don't have a dog, borrow your neighbor's dog!

10.Take the stairs at the mall instead of riding the escalators or elevators.

Your body was designed to move. Begin to apply these ten things and incorporate your own ways of adding more physical movement to your life.

HOW YOUNG ARE YOU?

In honor of the month of my birth, I have decided to address what I seem to hear with every passage from my "realistic" friends out there. Nothing seems to be more fulfilling for them but to remind me that there will come a birthday that will mark the end of my health and fitness.

Or the need to justify their lack of health responsibilities with such statements as "it gets harder when you're older." I don't think anyone is saying it's easy at any age. And no doubt our hormone levels decrease with the years. However, you can decide to be the healthiest you can be and look your best at ANY age.

And remember , Brad Pitt was forty years old when he filmed the movie TROY. It’s true he gets paid to look great, however he certainly exemplifies that it is possible to look that great at any age. Ask yourself, if you were getting paid to get into shape would you do it? Most people would answer “yes”, but without money as an incentive, they have plenty of great excuses. If that is you, then perhaps you need to re-examine your priorities and what is truly important to you.