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Exercise is the key to health and happiness
Exercise will keep you young, fit and relaxed. It alleviates physical and mental stress. Make sure to make healthy choices in your daily activities. Don't put off until later what you can do right now. There is only NOW. Obviously, if you have any medical conditions consult a doctor before starting any new exercise program.
Don't be lazy
Our society is lazy and it's got to stop. Everything counts, so incorporate little things throughout the day that get you moving. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Don't park so close to the mall; or, if you live in the city, walk instead of taking public transport. Stretch while you clean the house. Get creative.
Take every opportunity to move your body
Get involved in sports, hiking, skiing, horseback riding, rollerblading, dancing. Whatever is accessible to you as a movement opportunity, take it!
Dance
Dance is incredible for your body and your spirit. Dancing at clubs can be fun but there are many therapeutic type of dances that have become very popular recently, such as Five Rhythms, belly-dancing and energy dancing. My first experience with energy dance was in July 2005 at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies. I went to a Robert Gass chanting concert that quickly became a dance event as well. I was stunned by my physical and emotional reaction. I felt such joy and freedom. Of course, a hint of embarrassment was in there too, but you have to push through that because everyone else is doing it, so it's not like you're the crazy person going off on your own. Anyway, my body began to release endorphins. I got sweaty and felt alive. The beauty of the songs and dance brought me to tears. I felt connected to everything. When I got home and relayed the story to some friends who are into energy dance they said, "That happens to everyone, that's why we do it." If you ever get the opportunity to get involved in an energy dance experience, take it, you won't be sorry!
Fast walking
If you have back or joint problems or are a bit overweight this is a great way to get your cardio in and not tear your body apart. Whenever I am at my "heavy weight" I fast-walk because I don't want to put that extra strain on my body. Once I get down to my ideal weight I begin running again. I know this couple who took a walk after dinner every night for 20 minutes and they lost 15 pounds in three months. Take me for example. Back in college I needed to lose weight and began to fast-walk every day for 40 minutes and within two months I lost 10 pounds. Yes, I was watching what I ate too, but not too closely - I really credit the walking. Walking will get you to where you want to go in more ways than one.
Running
This is a wonderful form of exercise for many reasons. First, it's fantastic for your heart and you see physical results quickly. Obviously, it does put more pressure on the body, so be aware of that. The extra perk to running is that once you get going you get into "the zone" and it's very much like meditation. It feels great. And when you're done you feel exhilarated (commonly known as the runners' high), which is fantastic! When I was really into running, every day for about 3 to 4 miles, I felt so strong and in control of my body, it was wonderful and I looked great.
Yoga
This has become really trendy in recent years, which is good because yoga is great for you on so many levels. The physical benefits are stunning; not only does your body change into this beautiful sculpture but it also makes you feel more comfortable in your skin. When I got back from the Pura Vida yoga retreat in Costa Rica people commented that I was walking differently, that I was kind of gliding along. It's also wonderful for your state of mind. It releases tension (as all exercise does) but it specifically challenges you to observe yourself in uncomfortable situations. How do you deal with pain? Do you get angry, sad and how do you deal with that? Do you blame or retreat? It can help you understand yourself and change what you don't like. It's important to mention that sometimes yoga can bring up deep emotions that just pour out. Just go into child's pose and go with it. At my old company, Tony&Tina Vibrational Remedies, we did yoga in the office once a week. I remember this one class... I had a really hard day and week. I just broke down, totally lost it. Sobs and sobs. Our yoga teacher, Sara Michelson (and modern dancer/chorographer), who is also a good friend, wrapped me up in blankets and just told me to stay there. I was ready to leave but I'm glad she made me stay because I felt like a baby, all wrapped up and comforted. Once I calmed down I enjoyed the energy of being near the class while in my cocoon.
Pilates
This gives you serious results and fast. It's mostly working with a specific Pilates machine and/or floor exercises that are very intense. There's a lot of abdominal and glutial work and it builds strength. After a week, you'll really see a difference. Try to take a private class at least once because you'll really learn the technique and can practice on your own.
Stretching
This is really important, especially as you grow older, because it keeps your muscles and joints flexible. It also creates space in your body. Creating space in your body is important because energy needs to flow. Also, with that space comes better posture and a more comfortable feeling in your own skin. Most important, it allows for more oxygen to flow through your body. That's why I talk so much about the importance of breathing, because the more oxygen we have in our bodies the healthier we are.
Try it
So these are the exercises I do, but there are many others with wonderful benefits, such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong... I have friends addicted to cycling. Find what works for you and do it, but for goodness sakes do something! I was going through a very lazy period and I felt crappy, I felt tense, like everything in life was in my way, if that makes sense. Finally I got to the gym and started my fast-walking and even though I've had this experience before, it didn't stop my amazement. I felt great, the tension was gone and I felt like life was good again. Try your best, it will pay off! (see energy exercises / stretching)
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