Website design By BotEap.comJust do it!

Website design By BotEap.comSounds familiar? Nike got it right with this simple catchphrase, but I wonder how many are serious about exercise and fitness.

Website design By BotEap.comA recent article on fitness statistics by Sarah Marshall on MyFit.ca offered this sobering summary: “Over 60% of adults do not get the recommended amount of regular physical activity. Worse yet, 25% of all adults are not! Active at all! Nearly 50% of youth ages 12-21 are not vigorously active on a regular basis. Only 19% of all high school students are physically active for 20 minutes or more in physical education classes every day during the school week. ” How do you measure up? No pun intended, as my measurements have steadily increased over the years as my exercise routines have decreased.

Website design By BotEap.comStaying in shape is vital to a healthy life, as my doctor reminds me at our regular semi-annual visits. Making time to exercise is another matter. We can all look at our daily calendars and say that there just isn’t enough time. But is time or lack really the problem?

Website design By BotEap.comOf course, no. When we are honest with ourselves, the truth is that we just don’t see it as a high enough priority. Many other more urgent activities crowd in and fill every waking moment. In fact, if you’re like me, an avid multitasker, you’re handling at least two, if not more, demands at once. You’ll probably sing the same song with me, ‘Not enough time! ‘

Website design By BotEap.comBut is that true? I have several friends who run miles every day and live very busy, productive, and very successful lives. So what is my problem?

Website design By BotEap.comI know I need to get physically fit or at least make time every day to exercise. It is not likely that in my stage of life I need or can develop a body like Arnold S. but it would be great to have more energy to play with my grandchildren. Then what should I do? What can you do to make sure you make time for exercise?

Website design By BotEap.comThe first thing I did recently was to recognize that a holistic approach might be the best motivator. I realized that being physically fit without paying attention to my mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being would not serve my long-term goals.

Website design By BotEap.comMental fitness

Website design By BotEap.comEverything we want to do begins with our state of mind. Training and education are critical components of mental fitness. Like physical exercise, we can train our mind through a variety of methods using our natural curiosity to keep our minds alert and active.

Website design By BotEap.comEmotional fitness

Website design By BotEap.comKeeping our emotions under control is easier for some than for others. I have always considered myself a very secure and emotionally stable person. In recent years I have faced very challenging experiences that have tested my stability and confidence. I now realize that if I hadn’t been practicing solid emotional “exercises” taking the time to understand myself and get in touch with my emotions, the challenges I faced and still faced could have thrown me off balance.

Website design By BotEap.comSpiritual fitness

Website design By BotEap.comThis area is too often ignored and yet it has also gained a lot of press in recent years. Your spiritual mastery is not just about the ‘religion’ you adhere to or the ‘belief system’ you follow. It has more to do with being in touch with the Creator of all life. Without attention to the basic laws of nature or spiritual laws of the universe, life is meaningless. A recent book by the Reverend Graham Tomlin, ‘Spiritual Fitness’ talks about the necessary balance between physical and spiritual fitness. One reader wrote, “(in) ‘Spiritual Fitness’ (the author) conceptualized a powerful antidote to consumerism and the luxury-driven culture heralded by modern media …”.

Website design By BotEap.comPhysical aptitude

Website design By BotEap.comFinally, physical fitness, when balanced with all areas of our life, becomes something that we cannot do without and still enjoy a full, vibrant and successful life. I’m not advocating that you start running marathons tomorrow, but a little walk every day will do a lot of good for your heart and mind.

Website design By BotEap.comA man I have read about walked thousands of miles, if not hundreds of thousands, through most Middle Eastern countries including Turkey, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Sicily, Malta, Israel, Lebanon. All of this he did when there were no modern roads while touring these areas during the 1st century AD He was an avid writer and spoke about the importance of training using Greek play. gymnastics when he wrote these words talking about life, “Run (life) in such a way that you get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games (life) goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown (gold medal ) that will not last, but we do it to obtain a crown (reward) that will last forever “I Corinthians 9: 24-25

Website design By BotEap.comWhat are you going to do now? I suggest that you evaluate these four areas of your life. Are they in balance? Do you spend time in each area on a daily basis to become a strong and balanced person? Do you need to consult a trainer in any of these areas?

Website design By BotEap.comI must run now, or more specifically take the dog for a walk!

Website design By BotEap.comRemember: the best is yet to come!