Use It Or Lose It

An elderly woman walked into my office some time ago and we got talking. She told me that during her routine check up the doctor encouraged her to begin an exercise class.  We did the necessary fitness tests as usual and then placed her on an exercise programme that suits her age and health status.

She began her lifestyle journey about a year ago. She wanted to lose weight and get healthier so that she would be around to watch her beautiful granddaughters grow up and get married some day. This is what she shared with me recently:

“I’d reached a point in my mid fifties where I was feeling decidedly ‘old’. I’d had a hysterectomy, and an old back injury was starting to talk to me a bit more loudly than it used to be. I didn’t like how old I was feeling but I tried to convince myself it was normal. But it just feels that way. One day I was playing with my granddaughters and realised that if someone yelled, ‘Gramma Dance!’ I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t even follow them around  any longer.

“A year later and  17kg lighter, I’m a new person. I discover that it does matter what you eat and how much you exercise. Little things do make a big difference. I began to exercise daily, eat less fat, drink more water, and eat more whole foods. Today I feel 10 years younger than the last time we went for outing. In fact my husband has trouble keeping up with me ! I realise that I do have control over things like ageing and that I can be more productive. It’s not about losing weight any longer,  it’s about maximising my energy, giving myself endurance and flexibility that I haven’t had for years. And using my body feels absolutely terrific!”

Do you get winded climbing a single flight of stairs or have difficulty keeping up with your spouse or friends on a brisk walk around the block? Have you ever felt like you are going to collapse from exhaustion after spending the day shopping? If your fitness level is so low that you have to go into training simply to go “power shopping” you need help!

On the other hand, perhaps you have been committed to a regular exercise regime for some time but your body isn’t changing. Or you are in the gym three times a week and you know you are healthier  because of your commitment, but your body still looks the same. Read on, you may find some answers to your dilemma.

God designed our bodies to respond to consistent stimuli in a purposeful way. When you participate in regular weight bearing exercises like walking, they stimulate your body to build stronger bones.

Why? Because the regular brisk walk tells your body to get ready for more, and it prepares you by giving you  more of what you need, stronger bones and better muscles

That’s why I have titled this article “Use It or Lose It”- use the muscles, bones, cardiovascular system, and lungs God gave you by developing  an active vibrant lifestyle. This in turn will energise and mobilise your body to become all it was designed to be. Otherwise sink into an increasingly sedentary lifestyle and watch your body transform into a living, breathing invalid.

In the journey to fine-tune your fitness to your desired level, you can apply some basic principles that will help you towards your goal. Our body was designed for consistent activity. Just as we need food and water everyday, we also need activity to stimulate muscle and bone growth to keep our metabolism running efficiently.

Lifestyle fitness is about getting in tune with your body and making some decision about what you want and need it to do for you. Decide to make exercise a part of your life forever. You wouldn’t forget to eat or brush your teeth, would you? Think of your fitness in the same way!

As I earlier said, your body is your vehicle for life. Do you want to live in a fine-tuned, high energy sports car or a broken down rickety car? I’m sure you want a body full of energy, one that burns lots of calories and feels strong and fit. The good news is that you don’t have to become an elite athlete or exercise fanatic to feel that way.