Today, we have the pleasure of releasing an article from Robyn Esson, of The Naturally Sculpted Blonde. Robyn gives us a new perspective on introducing fitness into our recovery in a healthy way, and for the right reasons. Be sure to check out her blog for some great recipes, tips and tricks!
More Than Just Body Image
Written by Robyn Esson
“Fitness” and “exercise” can be daunting words for some. With
the media throwing “perfectly” shaped figures in our faces daily, it can be
intimidating to think about starting an exercise routine or going to a gym. For
some people, the gym is a very scary place but it doesn’t have to be! What most
people don’t know is that, what we like to call our “fitness family” can be
some of the most encouraging, kind, and helpful people out there. Don’t be
nervous to start a new exercise routine. Remember, everyone started somewhere,
and there are lots of people out there who are here to help you through it.
The key to successfully increasing your healthy lifestyle is
to start small. Our bodies do not adapt well to change, so as you can imagine,
if we overload them all at once, they will try to fight back! Begin with making
small variations to your daily routine. Drink one more glass of water a day
than you would normally, ask your doctor about taking a multi-vitamin or take
the stairs rather than the elevator. Yes I know these things sound simple, but
you would be surprised at the amount of difference a small change can make to
your lifestyle. Think of it this way: If you normally park your car in the
first stall at your work, you might take about 25 steps to get to the door. If
you parked in the stall furthest away, it could take you about 150 steps to get
to the door. Over the period of a month, you just added 2,000 steps that you
otherwise wouldn’t have taken.
In my opinion, exercise is the key to happiness, and the more
you succeed the happier your will be. Find goals that you can attain and build
on them each month. Track your progress so that you have something to go back
to and see how far you have come. Exercise is not only about appearance, it is
much more than that. Don’t fall victim to what you see in advertisements, on
Facebook or in magazines. It has a lot to do with how you feel. Your small
victories will pave the way to bigger accomplishments.
As I mentioned, exercise does a lot of great things for the
body besides looks. One of the key health benefits of exercise is that it helps
normalize your glucose, insulin and leptin levels. This is perhaps the most
important factor for enhancing your overall health and preventing chronic
disease. But exercise affects your body in countless other ways as well- both
directly and indirectly. Other than controlling weight loss and combatting health
conditions and diseases, the following are what I believe to be the 3 most
valuable benefits of exercise:
No. 1: Exercise Improves your Mood
If you need an emotional lift or want to blow off some steam
after a stressful day, one if the most cost effective and simple ways to do so
is exercise. You don’t need to go to a gym or a fitness class, just take a 30
minute walk outdoors to start or follow along with an online yoga class on
You-Tube. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that should leave
you feeling happier and more relaxed. In my experience, Physical activity can
also help you feel better about yourself and your appearance when you exercise
regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem!
No. 2: Exercise Boosts Energy
Do you find that you get winded walking up the stairs, or
just feel like you need to lay down after your day at work? Regular physical
activity can help improve your muscle strength and build your endurance.
Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to you tissues and helps your
cardiovascular system work more efficiently. When your lungs and heart are
working more efficiently, you have more energy to go about your daily routine.
If you are always on the go and busy like me, this is a very important one!
Eating properly also helps this category immensely. If you
haven’t seen a Naturopath in your area or Nutritionist to seek out simple meal
plan advice, I would highly suggest doing so. It makes a world of a difference
in energy levels. It’s amazing what your body can do when you fuel it with the
proper nutrients!
No. 3: Exercise can be Fun!
Exercise can be a great way to spend more time with friends,
or even make new ones. It gives you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or
simply engage in activities that make you happy. So, take a dance class, hit
that walking trails, join a soccer team or find your zen in a yoga class. Do
what makes you happy! Find a physical activity that you enjoy and just do it!
There are so many options out there now, test them out, and if you get bored;
find a new one!
Exercise is about having fun! It is not about what you look
like, how strong you are or how many likes you have on your Instagram fitness
page. It’s a way to help you feel better, gain health benefits and aim to be
the best you you can be! Find a goal and strive for it. It can be small like
walking 20 minutes a day, losing 5 pounds this month, or cutting chips out of
your weekly meal plan. Whatever your goal, have confidence and courage and you
can achieve it. Remember is it you versus you. No one can stop you but
yourself, and you are a strong, independent individual who can accomplish
whatever you put your mind to. So go out there, win the day and find YOUR
exercise. If you have the courage to start you are already more than half way
there!
Live. Laugh. Love. Lift <3
Robyn Esson