EXERCISE- use it or lose it!

                     EXERCISE                                                             USE IT OR LOSE IT-   An elderly woman walked into my office some time ago, we got talking; and she told me that during her routine check up the Doctor encouraged her to begin an exercise class.  We did the necessary fitness tests as usual and then placed her on an exercise program that suits her age and health status.          She began  her lifestyle journey about a year ago. She wanted to lose weight  and get healthier so she would  be around to watch her beautiful granddaughters  grow up and get married some day.This is what she shared with me recently:    "I'd reached a point of my mid fifties where I was feeling decidedly 'old'. I'd had a hysterectomy , and an old back injury was starting to talk to me a bit more loudly than it used to be. I didn't like how old I was feeling but I tried to convince myself it was normal. But it just feels that way. One day I was playing with my granddaughters and realised that if someone yelled, 'Gramma! Dance!' I couldn't do it. I couldn't even follow them around the mall for the afternoon any longer.       "A year later and  17kg lighter, am a new person. I discover that it does matter what you eat and how much you exercise. Little things do make a big difference. I began to exercise daily, eat less fat, drink more water, and eat more whole foods. Today I feel ten years younger than the last time we went to the mall. In fact my husband has trouble keeping up with me ! I realise that I do have control over things like ageing and that I can make myself much more productive and energized. It's not about losing weight any longer it's about maximising my energy, giving myself endurance and flexibility  that I haven't had for years. And using my body feels absolutely terrific!"       Do you get winded climbing a single flight of stairs or have difficulty keeping up with your spouse or friends on a brisk walk around the block? Have you ever felt  like you are going to collapse from exhaustion after spending the day sightseeing or shopping? If your fitness level is so low that you have to go into training simply to go "power shopping" you need help!       On the other hand , perhaps you have been committed  to a regular exercise regime for some time. But your body still isn't changing. You are in the gym  three times a week and you know you are healthier  because of your commitment, but your body still looks the same. Read on...... You may find some answers to your dilemma.       God designed our bodies to respond to consistent stimuli in a purposeful way. When you participate in regular weight bearing exercises like walking, they stimulate your body to build stronger bones. Why? Because the regular brisk walk tells your body to  get ready for more, and it prepares you by giving you  more of what you need-stronger bones and better muscles. Pretty cool, huh? That's why I have titled this article "Use It or Lose It"- use the muscles, bones, cardiovascular system, and lungs God gave you by developing  an active vibrant lifestyle. This in turn will energise and mobilise your body to become all it was designed to be. Or otherwise sink into an increasingly sedentary lifestyle and watch your body transform into a living , breathing invalid     In the journey to fine-tune your fitness to your desired level, you can apply some basic principle that will help you towards your goal. Our body was designed for consistent activity . Just as we need food and water everyday, we also need activity to stimulate muscle and bone growth to keep our metabolism running efficiently.      Lifestyle fitness is about getting in tune with your body and making some decision about what you want and need it to do for you. Decide to make exercise a part of your life forever. You wouldn't forget to eat or brush your teeth, would you? Think of your fitness in the same way!     As I have said before, your body is your vehicle for life. Do you want to live in a fine-tuned, high energy sports car or a broken down rickety car? I'm sure you want  a body full of energy, one that burns  lots of calories and feels strong and fit. The good news is that you don't have to become an elite athlete or exercise fanatic to feel that way.