Stop Being Lumpy, Dumpy and Grumpy - Adjust Your Fitness Attitude
Today we see a backlash from the extreme aerobics & high
impact training of the 80s & 90s. The mere thought of a little
leotard, leg warmers and sweatband can cause many to cringe. Through the
media, society has become imprinted with the association that exercise
must be high impact, must make you sweat, and should make you sore. It
is the "no pain, no gain" mentality.
This mentality can cause an aversion to exercise, especially for those who are less than fit. We live in a different era now and it is time to embrace a more holistic view of exercise. Exercise is merely intentional activity. It can be high impact, low impact or no impact. With this definition, it is reasonable to say that every person should strive to make "exercise" a regular part of their day.
To create a mind, body, spirit balance one must devote time to physical exertion as well as recovery. Your body needs all kinds of movement to develop harmony. Because people tend to have an aversion to high impact exercise, they discount it all together. To improve quality of life, it is this type of attitude that must be adjusted.
Activity such as chair exercises, stretching, yoga, tai chi, line dancing, walking, and other forms of gentle movement are also "exercise." It is time to start adding these kinds of activity into your daily schedule. Many low or non-impact activities also help to balance the mental pressures of today's hectic lifestyles.
Because of the negative effects of stress, it becomes vital for people to have outlets to relax and decompress. When people are over-stressed they are not receptive to trying new things and this further complicates the issue of negative exercise associations.
If you are barely keeping afloat as it is, you will not want to engage in something you perceive as unpleasant. So first things first, create a new definition of what exercise is. Then begin to address your mental health needs. Determine what you hope to gain from the new behaviors, and make that your focus. As a result of this mental shift, your physical health will become more manageable.
Dr. Daniel Landers is a leading authority on the influence of exercise on mental health. In his paper of the same name, he stated, "We now have evidence to support the claim that exercise is related to positive mental health as indicated by relief in symptoms of depression and anxiety." His sentiments were also echoed by the 1996 U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health.
Studies are finding that balancing mental and physical exertion is a vital part of the wellness equation. Look to create your own personal exercise menu, listing high, low and non-impact activities. Be creative and choose daily activity based on your physical and mental needs for the day. Each day you choose from your menu and schedule it into your day.
Because of the increased use of technology, our need for actual movement has decreased vastly. We are able to do more, but still only have the same number of hours in a day. This increased access to technology often equates to more sedentary time to do all it affords us. People are often physically sluggish, but mentally exhausted.
This "techno-excess syndrome" leaves people feeling stressed under the mounting pressure to do it all. Gone are the days of getting away. Now people are plugged in to a cell phone, or other tech devise at all times. This constant stimulation can create enormous mental stress. When you combine that with the lack of active movement, you get lumpy, dumpy and grumpy. To combat these nasty side effects of techno-excess syndrome, you must:
1) Address the negative programming that causes you to associate exercise with work.
2) Realign your thoughts about activity, considering its multiple forms & benefits.
3) Manage your technology time by setting realistic boundaries.
4) Create a personal exercise menu that you can choose from based on your needs. (List high, low and non-impact activities)
5) Make a commitment to daily exercise in whatever style that suits your needs. Put it into your schedule as a non-negotiable activity.
This regular commitment to stress management and attention to the balancing of your exertion and recovery cycles will leave you feeling more energized and alive. Stay open to all forms of activity and begin to have fun with movement.
This mentality can cause an aversion to exercise, especially for those who are less than fit. We live in a different era now and it is time to embrace a more holistic view of exercise. Exercise is merely intentional activity. It can be high impact, low impact or no impact. With this definition, it is reasonable to say that every person should strive to make "exercise" a regular part of their day.
To create a mind, body, spirit balance one must devote time to physical exertion as well as recovery. Your body needs all kinds of movement to develop harmony. Because people tend to have an aversion to high impact exercise, they discount it all together. To improve quality of life, it is this type of attitude that must be adjusted.
Activity such as chair exercises, stretching, yoga, tai chi, line dancing, walking, and other forms of gentle movement are also "exercise." It is time to start adding these kinds of activity into your daily schedule. Many low or non-impact activities also help to balance the mental pressures of today's hectic lifestyles.
Because of the negative effects of stress, it becomes vital for people to have outlets to relax and decompress. When people are over-stressed they are not receptive to trying new things and this further complicates the issue of negative exercise associations.
If you are barely keeping afloat as it is, you will not want to engage in something you perceive as unpleasant. So first things first, create a new definition of what exercise is. Then begin to address your mental health needs. Determine what you hope to gain from the new behaviors, and make that your focus. As a result of this mental shift, your physical health will become more manageable.
Dr. Daniel Landers is a leading authority on the influence of exercise on mental health. In his paper of the same name, he stated, "We now have evidence to support the claim that exercise is related to positive mental health as indicated by relief in symptoms of depression and anxiety." His sentiments were also echoed by the 1996 U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health.
Studies are finding that balancing mental and physical exertion is a vital part of the wellness equation. Look to create your own personal exercise menu, listing high, low and non-impact activities. Be creative and choose daily activity based on your physical and mental needs for the day. Each day you choose from your menu and schedule it into your day.
Because of the increased use of technology, our need for actual movement has decreased vastly. We are able to do more, but still only have the same number of hours in a day. This increased access to technology often equates to more sedentary time to do all it affords us. People are often physically sluggish, but mentally exhausted.
This "techno-excess syndrome" leaves people feeling stressed under the mounting pressure to do it all. Gone are the days of getting away. Now people are plugged in to a cell phone, or other tech devise at all times. This constant stimulation can create enormous mental stress. When you combine that with the lack of active movement, you get lumpy, dumpy and grumpy. To combat these nasty side effects of techno-excess syndrome, you must:
1) Address the negative programming that causes you to associate exercise with work.
2) Realign your thoughts about activity, considering its multiple forms & benefits.
3) Manage your technology time by setting realistic boundaries.
4) Create a personal exercise menu that you can choose from based on your needs. (List high, low and non-impact activities)
5) Make a commitment to daily exercise in whatever style that suits your needs. Put it into your schedule as a non-negotiable activity.
This regular commitment to stress management and attention to the balancing of your exertion and recovery cycles will leave you feeling more energized and alive. Stay open to all forms of activity and begin to have fun with movement.
"Wellness Matters" Article Series by Lisa Schilling RN, CPT
Speaker, Writer, Wellness Coach & Consultant
Lisa Schilling is the author of "The Get REAL Guide to Health and Fitness-FIVE STEPS to Create Your Own Personal Wellness Plan" She is juggles life as a doting wife and the mother of three boys, who keep her feet firmly planted on the ground!
Lisa is a Registered Nurse, author and recovering pageant queen, who spreads hope with her Get REAL approach to wellness. She empowers women, caregivers and groups to unleash their fullest potential by helping them to see their true beauty and discover their REAL value.
She feels passionate about spreading this message of hope and acceptance to help others be PROactive about their health and not simply REactive. Lisa uses her enthusiasm to inspire people to value and appreciate who they are. She helps people build a bridge from where they are, to where they want to be.
Speaker, Writer, Wellness Coach & Consultant
Lisa Schilling is the author of "The Get REAL Guide to Health and Fitness-FIVE STEPS to Create Your Own Personal Wellness Plan" She is juggles life as a doting wife and the mother of three boys, who keep her feet firmly planted on the ground!
Lisa is a Registered Nurse, author and recovering pageant queen, who spreads hope with her Get REAL approach to wellness. She empowers women, caregivers and groups to unleash their fullest potential by helping them to see their true beauty and discover their REAL value.
She feels passionate about spreading this message of hope and acceptance to help others be PROactive about their health and not simply REactive. Lisa uses her enthusiasm to inspire people to value and appreciate who they are. She helps people build a bridge from where they are, to where they want to be.
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