Stirring the Waters

Exercise was a huge part of my life in my 30's. I went from inactive to extremely active and experienced the tremendous benefits of weight-training, cardio-training, and stretching.

I remember pre-fitness, sitting in my doctors office overwelmed with new motherhood and all the physical challenges that I experienced as a result. My fatherly physician suggested that I exercise which brought tears to my eyes. How, with all the expections I had to meet daily, could I possibly meet yet another demand on my schedule and body? In gentle wisdom he pointed out that I was looking at exercise from the wrong perspective. If done properly, my workouts could be pleasurable and become somthing I would look forward to instead of dread. I didn't believe him at the time but I have to admit now that he was right.

Even after years of rewarding activity as a fitness instructor/personal trainer, I have recently found myself exercise challenged with the onset of a non-fitness focused full-time career. All of a sudden I am grappling with a time shortage and conflicting priorities!

Dr. Don Colbert lists exercise as the 4th Pillar of health. He talks about how it benefits our bodies primarily in our lymphatic system which doesn't have a pump like your heart to circulate it. The lymphatic system is completely dependant on our body motion to assist in it's circulation. He describes exercise as "stirring the waters". I like that term. It brings to mind the consequence of not exercising (a stagnant pond with pond scum-think sickness and disease) and the benefit of exercise (a clean, constantly refreshing stream teaming with life-think health & strength).

This June I am entering a new decade of life, the 40's. With this change comes a new exercise focus. I no longer have the time, energy or desire to chase after a buff, hard body. Instead I will exercise consistantly to maintain muscle mass, dense bones, flexibity, balance and a strong heart. I will also move to "stir my waters" so my body can purify and renew itself in the years to come.

I challenge all of you reading this to do the same!