According to a recent report published by the American Cancer Society, as many as two-thirds of the 500,000 cancer deaths each year could be prevented by making lifestyle changes. Another third, which are genetically influenced, could possibly be avoided or minimized by these same lifestyle changes.

A sedentary life is now listed as a primary risk factor for heart disease. Exercise is part of every prevention and recovery program nationwide. Yet, Americans remain inactive. You know you "should" exercise, but it’s a hassle. It requires two things you seem to have little of: time and energy.

We live in a culture that is accustomed to instant gratification. Have you found yourself giving up or not even starting exercise because its rewards seem too elusive? The solution is to take a multi-level motivational approach to your exercise program. Choose one short-term and one long-term goal to start or stay moving on a day-to-day basis. What motivates you on Monday, may not inspire you on Thursday.

a shot of energy

rid stress from the day

relieve arthritic stiffness

boost your mood/serf-esteem

get a better night’s sleep

spend time with a friend

get your creative juices flowing

help you focus more clearly

relieve constipation

avoid spending money over the lunch hour.

loose weight

lower bad (LDL) cholesterol level and

increase good (HDL) cholesterol

improve functioning of your heart

prevent development of osteoporosis · control diabetes

reduce the need for certain medications · avoid illness overall (exercise boosts

your immune system)

minimize or prevent life-draining diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

 

Find your short- and long-term goals for staying healthy and start moving.

The phone call came on a Saturday night. The woman, I’ll call her Becky, said, "Kate I just want to thank you for kicking me in the butt. (Figuratively, of course.) I told you how I still had unpacking to do from my move and couldn't seem to find the time or energy to exercise. You said, 'Get moving anyway. The boxes will be there when you get back, and you'll probably have more energy to put everything away anyway" Becky went on to describe how she thought about our conversation all day. That evening she went out for a walk, the next day she worked out on a stationary bike and climbed the Stairmaster. She said, "I feel so energized and good I had to call, and I did get a lot of the unpacking done!"

She also said, "I realized after we talked, you were the first person who didn't sympathize with me about how hard it is to make time to exercise and what a hassle it can be to pack and go workout. Everybody else sympathized, but they didn't encourage me to do the smart thing."

Becky focused on her short-term goal of having more immediate energy. But her long-term goal is to maintain a healthy weight, avoid osteoporosis and remain patient, loving and creative in her job.

If you need a friendly kick in the seat of the pants, give me a call. Keep in mind, I'll ask you for one short-term and one long-term goal that mean something to you.

CALL US: 888.LIF.WALK

Kate is a senior partner with CLC, Inc.