Are you moving enough?

Eating healthy is just one part of staying healthy. Exercise and sleep are two other areas that can impact your well-being. Here, I’m going to only discuss exercise.

 Everyone has seen those ads on TV, magazines, and the internet with models that have flawless skin and perfect abs and most of us are striving to seek that look but is it realistic? Is it achievable?

Having played sports like most American kids growing up, the objective of playing soccer and baseball and tennis was to learn about teamwork and stay fit but somehow I never got into exercising. I was that kid that would like to go play outside but not these team sports. Looking back at those times, I now know why I didn’t enjoy those activities, it was due to not choosing something that I was enjoying or having fun with… This is key!

If you don’t enjoy an activity, you’ll never reap the benefits of it. My advice is to find something you like to do–like to walk your dog, then take him out more frequently or for longer walks as you are improving not only his health but yours too.

Though my love for exercise was not born growing up, it did continue to evolve. I found something that I enjoyed in college–non-competitive boxing. This was the first step in understanding what my body was capable of achieving. If you have ever thought that I would love to try that but it’s not for me or if you have thought that I don’t have time for that or simply don’t know where to start, then don’t worry and remember you’re not locked into a commitment. Go to Groupon and find an activity that you might want to try or take a 7-day gym trial and give that activity a shot and don’t let that negative voice in your head win because most fitness enthusiasts do not judge and will likely share info with you if you ask! Plus, remember, small changes lead to bigger and more manageable ones. 

My journey from boxing led to my discovery of CrossFit (Cf)! A chance encounter with a Cf coach at a networking event and boom there I was hooked and ready to join. Not only did I learn the proper way to weight lift but I also got to learn gymnastics movements and become part of a community that was like minded towards health and wellness. Eventually all of this led me to being Cf certified in multiple areas which was a huge accomplishment for this scrawny kid during his youth. The moral of the story.. Love what you do and you’ll stick with it–I sure have after 7+ years!

With my growing interest in both health and wellness, it was no surprise that I eventually ended up in a food/beverage/supplement career path which has helped me to understand what works for my body and how that knowledge can perhaps help others! 

My future goal is to help the senior population understand that they too can stay fit and healthy even if they haven’t exercised a day in their life or simply just don’t think the impact will be huge. Abs are not what make you healthy but a good diet and some exercise sure can put you on the right path. 

Disclaimer: this is an opinion post and should not be taken as an endorsement or lack of for any product by me or my employer.