WHAT THOUGTS COME WHEN YOU THINK “EXERCISE?”

I am a dinosaur when it comes to exercise.  That is, my brain thinks I should get enough exercise just by living my life.  Like the cave men and women -- reach, stretch, lift, run – all part of daily chores. 

One problem.  My work is at the computer, reading at my desk, and my leisure is generally on the couch watching the next episode of “Genius” or “Orange is the New Black.” 

I can’t escape the fact that in the evolution that led to my current lifestyle, physical exercise, as we have come to know it, is required if I want to live a long, healthy life. 

I proclaim I am a rEVOLUTIONARY Woman!

I am purposely using the latest brain and obesity research to evolve and achieve success for myself and my clients. 

I know about healthy eating.  

I am daily applying the principles of what my body needs to stay right-sized. 

LOSING WEIGHT WITHOUT EXERCISE

I lost 40#s (twice) without exercise. 

This may have caused some arrogance. 

I didn’t need to exercise. 

Everyone around me is running, spinning, rowing, cross-fitting, sweating and I am happily just eating the right kind and amount of food and I look great!

It is proven by studies that exercise accounts for less than 10-25% of weight loss success. 

Exercise is for well-being.  Now my right-sized body and brain long for it.

Knowing what I know about my brain – that it does what is most efficient – I know exercise hasn’t been in that efficient script. 

I SET OUT TO EXERCISE EVERY DAY

I purposefully set out to get exercise into my life. 

I realized that my brain is lazy and I can’t look to the past for inspiration to get out and go. 

I have had short periods of being obsessed with various forms of exercise -- Hot Yoga, lifting weights and Pilates -- but I had never made it a daily habit. 

You wouldn’t know it if you looked around my house.

 I purchased weights for my wrists, ankles and free lifting.

I purchased DVDs for methods

 I have mats and pads and bands and balls and even a Pilates machine in the attic.

I wanted to be ready at any moment if the mood strikes. Hey mood, where the heck are you?

OK, so I am a wimp.  No excuses.  Now time is passing and I want to exercise.  I want to evolve.

HOW TO CREATE A HABIT

I do know a thing or two about how my brain works.  I know any activity needs to be habitual to be easy.

I made a commitment, I wrote it down.  I found my compelling reason.  I anticipated obstacles. 

When I am walking up that hill I note the benefits and how it feels and what the feelings I am avoiding by not exercising.  I am installing this information in my brain.

      Breathing heavy, ah yes, feels good for my lungs. 

      Legs pushing, discomfort, ah yes, I am building muscles. 

      Walking in nature, listening to the birds, ah yes, soothes my soul. 

      As I am exercising, I ask myself what is it that I have been avoiding by not doing this?

So far it is working.  YES!

I know for you who love to exercise, walking for 30 minutes isn’t even considered exercise.  For me and my brain and body it feels great.  I am doing it 6 days a week.

If you love exercise, I know you haven’t even read this far.  I love you anyway.

EVOLUTION NOW

We have all the information we need to live fully-engaged, happy, evolved lives.  What a time we live in.  We can find the best foods for our nutrition, we can create the best thoughts to manage our emotions, and we can discover the best combination of exercise for our bodies. 

We are evolving to be our best selves, not perfection. 

Becoming our own one-of-a-kind, crazy, and best selves.

To the rEVOLUTION!

P.S.  By the way, I don’t include exercise in my weight loss program until you reach goal weight.  Walking is always a good idea, but when you get to your goal weight, we find an exercise program that works for you. 

P.P.S.  If you want to know more about my weight loss program for women over 60, email me at pat@beauprecoaching.com