Thursday, March 10, 2011

Spring is coming

Birds are chirping and the grass is growing, trees are starting to bud and the bulbs are beginning to bloom. It is almost spring. What does that mean to me? I feel a longing to be healthier, to hike again, to crawl onto my bike once more, and to start to get that healthy glow (i.e., tan) instead of the pale, pasty tone my skin has, dreadfully, taken on during the winter months.

There is a lot to be said for spring cleaning, but not just around our house. Spring is a wonderful time to cleanse your mind, soul and body. The seven pillars of health, as referenced by Donald Colbert in his book by the same name, are:
1. Water
2. Sleep and Rest
3. Living Food
4. Exercise
5. Detoxification
6. Nutrional Supplements
7. Coping with Stress

I fully believe that Exercise should be moved up to #2 or even #1 on this list. His book is full of insightful information and lessons we could all benefit from. However, study after study shows that the single most powerful way to get in shape, lose weight, feel better, and correct long-standing health problems is to exercise regularly. You don't have to go to the gym to exercise. You can rent an exercise tape from the library, buy one at the store, catch one on TV, take a walk around the block, or do some good old fashioned calisthenics like push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, jumping jacks, etc. You could find a friend or spouse to work out with, head to the basketball or tennis court, go for a swim, get on the bike or treadmill. Exercise in any amounts is the key to reaching success with your long-term health goals.

Please feel free to comment on how you incorporate exercise into your life and what benefits you reap from regular exercise. Look forward to hearing from you.


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