A friend said this to me. Verbatim. While I was telling her about how good I am feeling because I am running consistently again and eating well. After I asked her if she wanted to go for a hike, run, or walk together sometime in our gorgeous Colorado weather.
She half laughed and said, “My lack of fitness is not going to be what kills me.”
And I didn’t know how to respond. Because the response to that is so layered.
Exercise and healthy eating may not save your life, or prevent you from ever getting ill, but it can sure make you more comfortable and give you the best possible shot at delaying, fighting, and preparing for it.
While your lack of fitness may not be what ultimately kills you, there are things it will keep you from. Think about this:
Do you want to stave off this impending illness? Healthy eating and regular exercise (even just walking 30 minutes 3-4 times a week) can delay a hereditary illness. If you are taking care of your body in the most basic way – movement and eating real food – then your body
Do you want to feel healthy and good in your skin? Confidence, more energy, better sleep, controlled weight, clear skin. All these things come from a good diet and exercise. Why wouldn’t you want these things for yourself?
Do you want to dissipate, or even reverse, the effects of your illness? I have a friend who was able to get off her blood pressure medication once she focused on intentional movement and better eating. Another friend was able to reverse their type II diabetes by being hypervigilant about their diet and drinking habits.
Do you want to have the energy to fight your illness? Eating processed foods zaps your energy. Sure, you might end up with a bit of a sugar high and rush of energy, but it is fleeting and heading for a crash. Eating whole, natural foods and exercising regularly will instantly increase your energy both physically and mentally. You are going to need as much energy as possible to fight this thing.
Do you want to be as positive as possible about your situation? Healthy food is a mood booster. Exercise is a mood booster. Combine the two, and you will find it harder to be too down about your illness. I’m not saying you’re going to be the next Leslie Knope, but I am saying you can set yourself up to start those positive thoughts.
Do you want to be in the best possible shape before you have to fight this thing? If you know that you are ultimately going to get heart disease because it runs in your family, why would you not prepare yourself to be as healthy as possible before the onset? If you can take preventative measures now to take care of your body, what is stopping you?
So, my final question is: what is your lack of fitness going to do for you?
Let me help you increase your fitness level, boost your energy, lose a bit of weight, and get comfortable with healthier eating habits. Once you send me your name and email, I can schedule your free health assessment to determine your needs and if we are a good fit to work together with me as your Health Coach.
I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.
Awesome outlook on this. Preventing health concerns down the road is much easier than tackling them if they arrive! Couldn’t agree more.
Feeling good and being healthy is so important to me. If I don’t feel good in my skin I feel so uncomfortable. I am currently working on that because I do not feel comfortable in my own skin lately.
I agree, Kim. I find I can think more clearly when I’m feeling good in my skin. Why haven’t you been feeling good in yours?
This is exactly why I stay active, I want to improve my health down the road!
Yes! And creating that habit now is so important.
I love this! I have been working on my health a lot over the past 2 years. It’s a struggle, but I am doing it. My weight fluctuates a lot, but my diet is solid, so I am just going with the flow. I feel good, my body is strong, and to me that is what counts.
Well done on focusing on your health! It can be a real journey, but it sounds like you are doing it right without any quick fixes. I would love to know what has and has not worked for you.