Day 2 - Physical
If you thought these 30 days were going to be filled with cross-fit challenges or extreme eating recommendations, then you will be surprised (and hopefully pleased) to know that a common theme that will follow us throughout these 4 weeks will be one of a “less is more” attitude.
When talking about fitness, it is easy to be inundated by all the unlimited and often complex ways to move your body. Infomercials fill up television time with the “newest” and “greatest” way to bust belly fat while gyms spend thousands every year purchasing equipment that covers their floors. I’m not pooh-poohing all other aspects of physical fitness: I love myself a good gym session as much the next person. However, I am suggesting we take a step back and look at a simpler approach to fitness.
If you’re part of the vast majority that doesn’t hit the gym daily or even own a pass, don't lose sight of the big picture. Fitness is about moving your body and there is a very simplistic, free and effective way to do this: walking.
Now before you go dismissing this idea, look at the benefits of walking as described by the American Heart Association:
- Reduce risk of coronary heart disease
- Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- Improve blood lipid profile
- Maintain body weight and lower risk of obesity
- Enhance mental well being
- Reduce the risk of osteoporosis
- Reduced the risk of breast and colon cancer
- Reduce the risk of non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes
If I were to go into any gym, doctor’s office or health food store and ask people if they would be interested in doing something that was 100% cost-free and had all of the above benefits without disclosing the name of the exercise, I’d wager most- if not all- would answer in the affirmative. So let’s drop the prejudice against “just walking” and realize how easy to implement and advantageous this exercise truly is.
Did you know that a study in PsychologyToday, showed that couples who sweat together, stay together? This article describes that during these times of joint physical fitness, couples increased their emotional bond and happiness in their relationship while “making their partner fall more in love with them”. All this in addition to improved efficiency in their workouts and greater success in meeting their health goals.
Daily Challenge
Take your significant other by the hand today, offer them their walking shoes and lead them to the door. It’s time for a little lover’s stroll. This is exclusive time for you two to talk about your day, plan your dreams or even play the “Would You Rather” game (a personal ‘walk and talk’ favorite for my hubby and I). Whatever you discuss, it’s one step towards greater fulfillment in health, happiness and love.
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[jbox title="About the Author:" border="5" radius="15"]
Megan is a Doctor of Audiology, Holistic Nutritionist, wife, yoga-lover and ever-evolving health aspirer. Having transformed her own health, she’s eager to help you transform yours. She believes in power in its purest form: FOOD. Whole foods, to be precise. So pick up a fork and join her in a revolution of habits, health and happiness. A WHOLE new life awaits! Read more about her reformation of health and wellness at My Whole Food Habit.[/jbox]