Church is a part of my exercise program!!

To some church might not be a part of your life and certainly you never thought of it as a part of an exercise program. But for me your emotional health affects your physical health! And my emotional health has always been enhanced when by going to church! When I go to the Bally (the gym I work out at), it does not seem to matter how much I lift or do cardio. If my mind and emotions are not positive and in sync, all the physical exercise I do not does not make me feel good. And for me going to church and believing in God are the main reasons my emotions are positive!! To feel in tip top shape physically you have to feel 100% emotionally, and for me that means church and God!

It is hard, but it feels good when I am done!!

I got up today like usual on workout days (between 5:am and 6:15am). And today was like allot of days, I did not want to go to Bally to put my body through what I call domesticated torture! But after pushing myself to do some warm-up stretches at home, I figured why not?! As is usually the case once I get to the gym, my mind and body start enjoying themselves! I have come to the conclusion that, while doing stretches is good for anyone before they work out, the older I get it is almost mandatory!!
And another thing, I do not need to have muscles the size of a VW bus!! Some people are intimidated or feel like they need to prove something by lifting, and eventually straining something! Believe me, I need all my parts working and not sidelined due, to what I like to call, misguided "big shiny muscle envy" My B.S.M.E. theory is just that, then again the acronym says it all! Go here for "senior" gym days!

It is true!!! - you have to make lemonade

I have always thought that the statement about making lemonade when life gives you lemons was corny, but I have found out how very accurate it is!! While this blog is about my journey to get in better physical shape, I have also found out that the mental aspect of life is equally important!! Several years ago I was diagnosed with Ataxia. I had never heard of this before and when I found out what it was I wish I never did!! Needless to say, exercise and controlling my health has gotten tougher, along with all facets of my life. I am talking about this because most of my life, I have not given much consideration how much what I think affects me. Your mind IS a terrible thing to waste!! Since part of my brain is actually affected, I have to max out what I have!! I have learned that while you can train your body by exercise, you can also train your brain to act the way you want!! Walking is one, albeit one of the simplest ways to do this! Walking, especially on a treadmill is very beneficial for both the mind and body!!!