5 Reasons you should be working out

If you're anything like me, the thought of exercise makes you cringe. When I was in high school, PE (physical education) we were required to run around the track 4 times. Well, needless to say, I never made the four laps, running that is... I was always the last one and had to finish the last three laps walking! I hated sport and honestly thought I didn't need it. I was a skinny kid, from the time I was very young until well, before I hit 40! Even after having 5 kids, I always managed to get my weight back down to pre-pregnancy weight.

​Well, things are different now! A lot people tell me that I'm still thin and not to worry about how I look. But you see, that's not the problem. It's not how I look that worries me. I'm really good with who I am and I feel good in my skin. What worries me goes a bit deeper than just outer appearance!

Here's what's got me concerned and keeps me motivated:

​1. To feel better

​Our health should be a concern to us. And it's starting to concern me... I've been noticing over the past several years, I'm not as young as I once was! My overall health is good, which I am very thankful for. However, I'm beginning to have aches and pains in various parts of my body. There's pain sometimes in my joints for no apparent reason. And every so often I get sore from sleeping crooked or walking too much. Not to mention being sluggish throughout the day. Routine exercise strengthens weakening muscles and joints, especially for those of us who are starting to age. In fact, Muscle changes often begin in the 20's for men and in the 40's for women. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/004015.htm

2. More Endurance

Keeping up with the kids or grand kids is something that has me concerned. We should want to take part in our kids and grandkids lives. To be able to kick a soccer ball back and forth or to run to catch a baseball when it's been hit out of field is something of joy. Our kids love it when we are involved. And to be honest, I love running, jumping and dancing around with my three year old granddaughter. And it also aids in raising kind, compassionate kids, and it turns out that dancing with your kids can help you accomplish this goal, according to a new study published in Developmental Science. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/desc.12193/abstract
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​3. To Save Money

Yes, I said to save money! I love to go clothes shopping. I don't do it often but when I do, it is a great joy for me! BUT what I don't find happiness in, is being forced to buy new clothes because what I have in my closet no longer fits! It makes me crazy when I have a special occasion and I pull out a pair of dress pants that I haven't worn in awhile, only to find out that I cannot close the darn button! OR, it's finally warmed up enough to wear shorts. So you pull out your favorite pair from last summer, and low and behold, you can't pull them over your hips! For me, I consider buying clothes a treat, not a requirement! And wanting to spend money is a whole lot different than being forced to!
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​4. To Be a Good Example

​We need to set good examples for the next generation. I care about what my kids learn from me. And one way we can do this is by staying active together. Let's face it, time is precious and it's hard enough to find time to make it to the gym everyday. But a workout with the kids doesn't have to mean running laps or lifting weights...Think of exercise as leading an active lifestyle, which you can do with your kids, and you'll be able to fit in more than you think." A few examples are: Go for pre or post dinner walks, dance together, or make a game out of chores. For more ideas to workout with the kids: ideashttp://www.parents.com/fun/sports/exercise/10-ways-to-exercise-as-a-family/

​5. The Bible Says So

​Our body is a temple. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own” (1 Cor. 6:19) And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will find acceptable. (Romans 12:1-2)

​Some could argue that the bible is referring to our spiritual body but I also believe that it God is also concerned about our physical body. Our bodies are of value to God. He cares not only about our souls, but also about our bodies. When God created man, He made him a physical being. If we do not care for our health, we are neglecting God's temple. 

With Love and Blessings!