We hear it all too often as to the importance of exercise.  I remind my clients too – especially students who are going through long periods of exams, as well as those who are in for the long haul as they seek a job offers.

I do not just see exercise as just sessions in the gym.  Excercise is about moving and enjoying activities in a way that also keeps your heart and joints happy and healthy!   Recently I had the privilege of being amongst a great group of friends tackling the challenges of a 2 day trail run in Cape Town.  With all my various aches and pains, my ‘advice’ to the younger members of the group was to “keep stretching; keep yourself strong; and, keep yourself supple.  Do this so that you can keep running and enjoying all the other fun sport and activities”.  

And here are some more reasons to relish your excercise:

You feel so much happier afterwards;

You will glow;

You will have a bit more focus;

Your whole system regulates well;

You make good friends;

You will enjoy good conversations with others – you have something through which to connect with others;

Your body will be grateful for being ‘put to work’ – it is designed to do so;

You will have a wonderful sense of accomplishment;

You will find that your appetite is stimulated for nourishing food;

Your mindset shifts;

It creates the space for inspiration and insight;

Moving your body keeps it supple, strong and fit;

When you feel fitter, you are braver at trying out other sports or challenges;

You sleep more deeply;

You will feel inspired to look after yourself in other ways too;

Productivity increases;

Resilience is strengthened;

You ward off bugs and sickness as your immune system improves;

You will feel more energy to do the other important things in your life;

Keep enjoying our exercise and you might well inspire your friends to join you!

And what would I recommend as good exercise?:

Walking with friends and enjoying the companionship;

Running, jogging or plodding outside and enjoying the fresh air;

Hiking up a mountain;

Dancing to fun music – even if just for a short time;

Stretching; taking deep breaths; even just challenging yourself to a few squats;

Enjoying a swim – even just frolicking in the water for fun;

Playing informal games with friends (soccer; touch rugby; netball; rounders);

Skipping; jumping on a little trampoline; old fashioned aerobics!;

It does not have to be massive amounts of exercise inorder to make a difference – even just as little as 10 minutes will uplift you.  

And just know … until the habit is formed, it can be easy for your mind to find easy excuses to just not get out and about.  This is why sometimes you just have to start … reminding yourself of all the benefits that come with it.  Also, if you can enjoy being part of a group activity (try out the Park Run too) this always helps.

Happy exercise  really does make a massive difference – now and for the long term.