THE MAGIC OF MOVEMENT

THE MAGIC  OF MOVEMENT
By Sharon Jane Akinyemi
There was a time  in my life when I could only walk a minute at a time, if that I remember so well. I was beginning a slow recovery from an illness (again) and wanted to build up my body. I forced myself to go out and walk everyday. I could barely walk across the room to go to the bathroom,  mind you. But I knew the only answer was to build up my stamina. Each day, I'd head outside to "exercise." The first day I walked about a half minute at a snail's space. Wow what an athlete! But I was so weak I couldn't do more than that. The next day the same, and the next. Then I forced myself to walk a half minute more. A few days later, I added a half minute more. After that strenuous exertion (I'm being sarcastic here!) I'd go in and throw myself onto the couch, exhausted. The slow progress continued, all by sheer determination and will. In time, however, I become more and more encouraged. I was gaining strength and growing healthier. After many months, I could walk at a good clip for one hour or more without stopping. I've kept at my walking ever since, and now I run a little every other day along with my walk.
The secret to pain-free, low-cost, lifetime fitness is to learn to love your body in motion. Although not all of us are full time athletes, we have enjoyed various forms of movement. Each of us has our favourites. Here are some good things that happen to me when I added the discipline of exercise to my  life:

My figure improved as the muscles are toned, and I  had more strength and endurance

I  lost weight from burning calories and fat, and my  metabolism charged up.

My  posture straightened, not only due to stronger muscles, but also because my sense of well-being and self esteem were enhanced. 

My complexion glowed with good health.

My  bones retained their density, and my joints became  more flexible.

My  blood vessels transported  life-giving oxygen more efficiently to the whole body, and my blood pressure lowered.

My heart is strengthened , and my heart rate  reduced

My lung expanded to process more oxygen

My digestion and waste removal improved, and my appetite  more controlled. 

My nervous system relaxed as stress  lessened and depression lifts.

Sleep came sooner and is sounder.

My brain sharpened, became more alert and able to concentrate.

And I also include God in the activity (as in prayer walking  during which I  also pray, meditate, and memorise Scripture). I am happy to announce to you that exercise has become a complete body and soul prescription for good health and beauty in my journey of fitness.