Weekend Exercise

I took a day off from work this past Friday so that my family and I could finish-up some school shopping. As a part of each day, we have to fit in some time for working out. So, Friday morning, we started out the day with a run; the weather was beautiful. As usual, my son rode his bike while my husband and I ran. Saturday's workout was the same as Friday - fabulous! Exercising in the mornings is my preference because it jump-starts my day, both physically and mentally. On Sunday's, we go to church in the morning, eat lunch, take a nap (some of us take a nap!), and then we workout. This past Sunday, it was around 3:30 when we started our run and so, as you can imagine, it was extremely hot. We took several water bottles with us and we went for it! Even though the temperature can be blistering at times, I enjoyed being in the heat. I don't think that I could run in the heat everyday, but once a week is exhilarating.

What a great weekend we had. Thanks to my family for putting up with my habits! : )

Exercise Converts!

Last night, I received a message from my parents saying that they had gone to exercise. Not only were they excited to tell me about it, but I was excited to hear the news. Through the years, I have tried to encourage my parents to add some sort of exercise routine to their daily life. However, a child can only make suggestions to a parent and a fine line exists between making a suggestion and being overbearing. I also recieved an e-mail from my sister-in-law this week saying that she was ready to get back to working out after having a baby and going through a move to Missouri.

These two examples show that it is never too late to incorporate exercise into your daily life, no matter your age or your circumstances! Can I get an "Amen"?!

Gym Substitute

When I got to the gym today during lunch, I was getting dressed and I discovered that I didn't have my tennis shoes in my gym bag. Consequently, I didn't get to do my workout. So, after dinner tonight, my family and I took my dog for a mile and a half walk. Even though it wasn't my normal workout or at the typical intensity level, it felt good to get outside and get some exercise.

All of that to say, even if you can't get to a gym setting for daily exercise, alternate solutions for maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be found if you are creative!

Natural Stress Reducer!

I have mentioned in previous posts that I try to go to the Summit during my lunch break at work. Boy, did I need it today!

Let me explain. A huge benefit of working out is it serves as a natural stress reducer. I want to emphasize two things in my last statement. First, "natural", since it takes away the need of medication to deal with stress. Second, "reducer", because the exercise doesn't wipe out the stress, but helps to manage it. Right now, my job is more stressful than normal. Having a break in the day for exercising has helped to reduce the stress that I am experiencing and allows me to look forward to my afternoon at work.

I will be a proponent of exercise until my last breath because of the many benefits it adds to a person's life!