Why Exercise?

Appetizer
Exercise can be a powerful way to improve your life.

Main Course
Sometimes I’m asked, “Why work out?” To these people, a healthy lifestyle seems like all work and no benefit, a constant struggle for nothing. But of course, nothing could be further from the truth.

So what do you have to gain by working up a sweat?

You Will Be Happier – Exercise will decrease you body’s supply of cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone,” and increase your amount of dopamine, which helps increase your sense of well-being. In fact, some studies have shown that working out just three times a week for half an hour can be just as effective as anti-depressants for relieving the symptoms of depression.

You Will Be Smarter – Scientists used to think that we lose brain cells as we get older, and nothing can be done about it. New research, however, shows that regular exercise can actually grow new brain cells, helping improve memory, concentration, and even intelligence. That sort of puts a new spin on the idea of a “scholar athlete.”

You Will Sleep Better – People who work out spend more time in deep sleep, which allows them to concentrate better throughout the day. Sleeping well can also have a positive effect on stress, making your everyday problems feel that much more manageable.

You Will Have More Energy - You will be able to approach every task at your job with zest, getting more done in less time, and still having plenty of energy to have fun and take care of your responsibilities at home. If you have never experienced it, trust me, it’s a great feeling.

Dessert
You might be wondering why I didn’t include “You Will Be Happier With Your Body.” Well, pretty much everyone knows this reason, and let’s be honest, this is the reason most people decide to start working out at all. But it’s important to remember that hopping on the treadmill doesn’t have to be all about slimming your waistline. Fitness can be a major part of improving your life in every way - physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Jogging 101

Appetizer
Learn the best way to run to make your cardio as effective and injury-free as possible.

Main Course
Running or jogging is fantastic way to get your heart pumping and burn fat, but a large number of people don’t know how to do it properly. I know what you’re thinking: there’s actually a wrong way to run? Well, yes, actually. Like any exercise, you have to learn the proper technique if you expect to get the most benefit out of your jogs.

Don’t Slap Your Feet - Stomping on the ground on every step will just put a lot of stress on joints and make you run slower. The heel of your foot should be the first thing to touch the ground, and every step should be a smooth rolling motion.

Stand Up Straight - A lot of people, especially in the last few exhausting minutes of a jog, tend to slouch. If you keep your spine erect, you will get the most out your cardio by working to keep your core stable.

Pay Attention to How You Swing Your Arms - Really moving your arms to the rhythm of the run will help you burn more calories. It might also encourage you to bring your knees up more, which will burn even more calories.

Double Knot Your Shoes - It stinks to have to stop in the middle of run to re-lace your sneakers. Make sure you invest a really good pair of running shoes and lace them tightly before you go out.

And as always, take a bottle of water with you to make sure to keep hydrated.

Dessert
For my clients who like to jog but have difficulty finishing those last five minutes, I sometimes suggest using mind games to push through that last leg. For example, they might imagine that a magnet is pulling them forward, or that they are running away from a predator. It might sound silly (and trust me, sometimes they feel silly doing it), but playing pretend can be a surprisingly effective way to stay in the fat burning zone.