Kim's Fitness and Nutrition

After recently reading several articles printed in my trainer journals the evidence is overwhelming…our lives, quality and longevity, are directly affected by the amount of regular exercise we do. We have suspected this for ions but finally the documentation is here to support those theories. Many studies were conducted last year on rats and humans that showed, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the positive effects of exercise. So, what exactly did the studies show?

First and foremost, the obvious outward symptoms of aging where dramatically slowed, in some studies, halted completely. Muscle loss, neuron size and function, hair loss, greying, and gonad shrinkage were all positively impacted or abated. The heart and other major organs size and function were improved, cognitive acuity increased, just to mention a few of the markers. It was so obvious and undeniable that it really is insane of us to not jump into our running shoes and head to the gym daily. Ah but the truth is, even with this information being broadcast on all levels and in all forms of media people will, for the most part, continue to be sedentary. I ask myself regularly, “What will it take to inspire people into taking responsibility for their health?” I do not have an answer yet however, I strive to find one. Actually there are probably multiple answers to that question but I think it comes down to one of two.

My best guess boils is, ‘old habits really do die hard.’ We humans get into routines and to break free it usually takes something really major shaking us to the core. Heart attacks are a good example, along with cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure diagnoses. Often though, even these things are not enough. A new habit takes 30-90 days of regularity to become ingrained and most people give up long before the new habit takes hold. In fact, most simple resign themselves to the plight and begin a drug regiment choosing to remain the victim; which brings me to the second suspected reason…passivity. Yes, its work and it requires a conscious decision to be proactive and most of all, to love and honor ourselves enough to care. Later, tomorrow, next week are all forms of procrastination, denial, rationalization, victimhood and are all the enemy. Our society has become comfortable blaming things outside of ourselves for everything, even our own well-being. The cat is now out of the bag and the time has come to wake up and smell the coffee.

My life, my job! This is the wake-up call necessary to make my existence the best that I can. That is the message we need to hear, accept and embody this year and if not now, than when? Everyone is in charge of their own destiny and it simply cannot be ignored any longer. I plan to be a vital, contributing member of my community when I am 80, 90 and even 100 years old but if that dream is to be my reality I have to be willing to do what it takes AND I am. The question is, “Are you?” I advise everyone to take a hard look at the choices that they are making when it comes to food, exercise, daily water intake, quantity of sleep and time allotted to spiritual and recreational endeavors. This human body and life came with a price and that price is responsibility. Decide today that you are going to start with small improvements in all these major areas of your life. Add 5 minutes of walking a day, one more piece of fruit, one more 8 oz. glass of water, 15 minutes more sleep, 5 minutes of meditation and 15 minutes of an activity each week that you find relaxing and creative. Small steps consistently over time add up to an entire new way of living, feeling and experiencing your life. The joy and peace that is your birth right will come back and you will feel your renewed sense of empowerment. We came forth to be creative, joyous beings and to live long and vital lives but our bodies, minds and spirits must be cared for and tended to regularly. Be the good steward of yourself and watch your life transform around you, as well as, around the lives of your families for they will ‘get it’ through your example. Make 2012 the year you reclaim your personal power and take charge of your health and I promise 2013 and years to come will be lived with vitality and optimism. Happy and healthy fitness trails.