Archive for July, 2009
The word “supplement” has begun to take on a negative connotation in recent years as more and more professional athletes are caught using performance-enhancing drugs. It’s important to understand the difference between anabolic steroids, which have been linked to harmful side effects following excessive use, and mere nutritional supplements. Few diets include the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals, so supplements provide an essential boost.
There are a wide variety of supplements available in health stores across the country. Many of them are closely regulated by the government, and their effects have been studied and proven safe. Most people take some form of vitamin supplement on a regular basis, and the health benefits are indispensable. Be sure you’re aware of the active ingredients in a nutritional supplement before consuming it.
In part one we started a conversation on the importance behind the words or phrases we use to achieve a desired out come for our health and wellness goals. The 3 most common terms we hear most often are “exercise”, “working out” and “training”. In this segment we are looking at the term exercise. At first glance the terms exercise and working out are somewhat synonymous because what usually comes to most everyone’s mind is some sort of formal exercise method. Not so much when you really take a look at what exercise is.
The definitions below where taken in part from 2 sources Merriam-Webster and the on free online dictionary.
1 a: regular or repeated use of a faculty or bodily organ
2. Activity that requires physical or mental exertion, especially when performed to develop or maintain fitness:
The point we are making here is you do not have to be a joiner to get in shape or stay healthy. In fact you don’t have to do anything except do something physical that you love to do and do it often. At least 3 times a week for about an hour. But if you are doing what you love to do it should be easy to exceed that. That is truly “exercising”. Hey who said staying physically healthy had to be all work and no play. It is our opinion it should always be play. When combined with eating healthy it is a perfect formula 
for wellness.
The beauty of all this is you can do just about anything to exercise, gardening, hiking, dancing, rollerblading, swimming ,volleyball, or just a leisurely walk through a botanical garden or museum. The list is endless as long as your body is in motion for an extended amount of time you will get the benefits.
So many times people get caught up in the magical world of the media, thinking that they should look like there favorite celebrity or that cute young guy or gale in the infomercial and that they have the secret and you need it. BULL they get paid for it.
It really is simple, 1) you already are the perfect you. 2) Start from there, set realistic goals, be consistent by continuing to do an activity you love to do. Then 3) combine it with healthy eating habits, fresh air and proper rest.
If you use those 3 simple steps you will have the magic and gift of good health at any age.
Look for our next blog part III “Working Out”.