Written by: Krista 

People always tell me how lucky I am that I love to exercise, and I think to myself, ” Hmmm, do I love to exercise?”  I definitely love the way I feel when I exercise, and that makes me want to exercise. The connection between mind and body is such a delicate and amazing thing.  If our Bodies are tired it affects the way we think and act. If our bodies get exercise it makes our minds stronger and our emotions more stable.  Studies show that when we exercise it releases endorphins and serotonin which are natural mood lifters,  and it helps with anxiety and depression. Now who wouldn’t want that, right? Exercise can also lower blood pressure, help with diabetes, heart disease, and many more health issues.

When I was in Junior high, one day I tried one of my mothers Jane Fonda VHS workout tapes. I was immediately hooked. I loved how it felt to sweat and get my heart pumping and my mind felt good. I used to get up every day at 4:00AM and workout before I went to school. That passion has always stayed with me, and  it’s mostly because of how it makes me feel emotionally. That may sound a little crazy. Not everyone wants to get up a 4:00 AM and exercise, including me.  I know how important it is, and rising early seems like a small price to pay for the incredible physical and mental health benefits.

Our bodies were all made different and unique, and for good reason. We all have strengths and weaknesses that I believe complement each other. Having lots of sisters, I learned this next concept early on. Some of us can eat 10 cookies, and not gain an ounce. Not fair!  But, we cannot dwell on what’s not fair.  Find what works for your unique and beautiful self, and go with it.  We are all busy working, being parents, running kids around, helping with ill parents, volunteering, church obligations, scouts, sports, school activities, the list goes on and on.  So how do we fit exercise in our busy lives?

My motto is, do what you can and be proud of it.  These days we have so many exercise options to choose from, that sometimes it can feel overwhelming.  Don’t compare yourself to others.  Tell yourself how amazing you are that you walked for 20 minutes,  and did your body good. My challenge to all of us is to move every day.  Take one day at a time.   Don’t think, ‘How am I going to get 5 days of exercise in this week?”  Just concentrate on moving , sweating and getting that heart pumping today. Tell yourself you are strong and you can do it,  and that you are giving your mind and body a gift.  Realize what a blessing it is to get up every day,  and to be mobile and have a healthy body. When you are done,  tell yourself how awesome and beautiful you are,  and that you have done good today.  You are strong.  You can do it.  We don’t have to run a marathon to be in good shape.  Exercise will make our minds and bodies stronger.  Love the body God gave you,  and be grateful you are able to move today.

Hope on.  Journey On.

Love,

Krista

*If starting a new exercise, be sure to consult with a Physician*