Finding Work-Life Balance through Exercise
There was a time in my life that I never exercised. You wouldn’t have known it looking at the gym memberships I had; but one look at me and it was evident I didn’t exercise. When I started to actively start working on life balance; a friend suggested that I begin exercising.
At first, I didn’t get that concept at all since I was really looking on how to have more down time rather than on the go time. But she is someone I admire for having balance in her life and has a sense of peace and calmness about her that is very appealing. With her urging, I committed to an exercise program for 6 months.
I started off with stationary biking, the first time I was on Level 1 and had to stop after 10 minutes. But, I kept with it and over time kept adding more minutes and increasing the intensity. After about week 4, I discovered that I was really looking forward to my time on the bike after a day at the office; it was assisting me in transitioning from my work life to home life. I was also starting to work up a sweat and found that it gave me a boost of energy in the evening that I just loved. I also was pleasantly surprised to find myself sleeping more soundly and awakening refreshed. What surprised me is putting an additional activity into my schedule actually increased my ability to get more done since I was energized and focused.
Over the years, I’ve expanded my exercise to include pilates, running, cross-country skiing and most recently have started Zumba. I enjoy the variety to spice up the routine. Most importantly, I found that by exercising I’m making myself a priority which is one of the keys to life balance.
Well, I, along with the rest of America, would not mind that addiction. How long did it take you to develop?
I think there's a mindset that fad diets will supplement the lack of willpower that most people feel about exercise and diet. If someone's telling you exactly what to do and when to do it, you can't possibly flake out, right? But then suddenly you're hitting a 180 bpm heartrate and thinking, "No way I can keep this up." Because just because you spend money for will power doesn't mean it will automatically appear.
Right now this is my ladder to exercise addiction (it's *cough* rather small scale. But I think that's important in order to maintain motivation): http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml.
Another finance comment: One of the bigger problems is that healthy food actually costs more than snack food. If you're a family on a very tight budget, you need more calories for else.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/05/a-high-price-for-healthy-food/
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/whats-wrong-with-this-chart...
This is especially relevant at the beginning of January... just imagine the ratio of calories burned/consumed by American women on January 1st v. the same ratio just a week earlier on December 25th. The point is, now is the time of new beginnings.
Do you have any advice for starting, though? I love reading people's success stories when it comes to exercise, but I feel like a lot of people wouldn't have remained committed for the full four weeks it took for you to look forward to your daily bike ride.
Hi Debbi:
Those in the medical community all seem to agree that stress-related illnesses are soaring to record highs. Most attribute such illnesses to our inability to handle stress; specifically, the relentless balancing act between work and home that we’re forced to perform practically every day of our lives for the sake of survival. So making exercise a daily part of your life is definitely a good idea and you will reap big rewards to your mind, body and spirit.
When you experienced doing it, you will get addicted. It relieves your stress. Americans are addicted to fad diets. Yet, our combined waistline appears to grow right along with the large diet industry. According to Marketdata, the typical yo-yo dieter goes on an average of four diets yearly. Each one leaves them poorer and still overweight. But there is a way to save cash and lose weight at the same time. It is the smart way. It is done through healthy choices. Article resource:You can lose weight and save money, too