So many of us pray for health or cheers to good health but how many of us decide to take a “Truly Active Role” in achieving and maintaining our health???

Recently I was reading many different theories and methodologies of nutrition and fitness and what defines optimum health. One quote that really stood out to me was…

” If you don’t take the time for exercise now, you will have to find the time for illness later.”

This really hit home for me. We all live full and at times, or most times hectic lives, and let’s be honest, exercise is an easy thing to skip and to make excuses for skipping it. We can list off many other obligations that need to be taken care of before we put ourselves and our exercise routine first. Let’s stop that today!!! Re-read the above quote….basically it says ——- Exercise Now or Find the Time Later for ILLNESS….

I don’t know about you but I definitely want to be active in my golden years and don’t want to be constrained by illness or mobility issues.

A couple months back a group of friends of mine set out an exercise challenge. It was a 30 day challenge where you had to be active for 30 minutes every day – this could be a brisk walk, yoga, strength training, running…etc– whatever you like to do that would get your blood pumping and your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes. If you didn’t complete your 30 minutes that day you had to put $1 in the pot – at the end of the 30 days we all went out to dinner. This type of community building, accountability model helps to keep you on track and motivated. Now like anyone, there were days that I missed because life simply took priority that day, but I will say knowing that we were all in this together kept it at the top of my list.

Here are some simple routines you can start tomorrow so you are choosing to EXERCISE NOW TO AVOID ILLNESS LATER!!!

Quick Morning Routine

• 1 min jumping jacks
• 20 squats
• 12 pushups
• 20 chair dips
• 2 min of bicycle sit ups

Repeat this set 4 times once a day…

Rise and Shine Yoga Salutations

• Mountain Pose
• Forward Fold
• Half-way Rise
• Step back to Warrior I right leg forward
• Turn to Warrior II
• Step Back to Forward Fold
• Jump or Step Back to Plank
• Down to Chaturanga
• Push up to Up Dog
• Finish in Down Dog
• Repeat above but step back to Warrior I with your Left Leg forward

Hold each position for 30 seconds to 1 min, repeat this sequence 4 times

Here are 2 different quick exercise routines you can start your day with or incorporate into your current exercise regime to gain additional flexibility and muscle strength.

I challenge all of you out there to begin a 30 day exercise challenge with your friends and family. Let’s face it we could all use a little extra motivation, especially this time of the year where we get so consumed with the business of the holidays. Let’s give ourselves an early holiday present of “TAKING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN ACHIEVING AND MAINTAINING OUR HEALTH!!!”

If you would like a more personalized exercise regime please contact me at 4pillarcoaching@gmail.com for a complimentary session where we can discuss your health and fitness goals. In Good Health!!!

Be Fit…Be Healthy…Be Mindful…Be Inspired