Tag Archives: #exercise

Spirituality

Getting It By Osmosis

In today’s column I’m using the term osmosis as a metaphor. You will understand.

Recently I saw an advertisement for gummies filled with THC that are designed to reduce PTSD and allow for better sleep. Or there’s the clothes specifically designed to hide a poor physique. Are the manufacturers encouraging people to give up?

This is pretty much the same as believing you are getting some exercise because you drove past a gym. Life doesn’t work this way. In many ways people are being manipulated to take the easy route. Easy doesn’t cut it for those who aim higher.

I’ll admit, the older I get the harder it is to stay thin. It takes more effort than it did when I was in my 20’s and 30’s. But it is worth the effort. What we gain from exercising is more than just muscle. The mental health benefits are immeasurable.

PTSD doesn’t go away on its own. In 2010 I suffered from PTSD. You feel like a walking zombie. No emotions. You are just existing through life. Using a therapy called EMDR, I recovered. No gummy could have accomplished what EMDR did.

Today’s column might sound a little rough. This is not my intention. I want you to notice the subtle ways advertisers try to influence us. Life is a contact sport. Make contact…

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Spirituality

Daily Habits

Do you have some daily habits that improve your life? Building your life around certain habits can either get you where you want to be, or they have the potential to destroy you.

Some of my best building blocks come from Scripture. There are days when I read the Bible and get nothing out of what I’m reading. But sometimes the words practically jump off the page. Those are the times I cherish. God has a way of showing up with perfect timing.

Exercise is another daily habit. Weights, Pilates and walking are great ways to clear your mind while strengthening your body. Posture and flexibility are improved, too.

Start by adding one thing to your day. Just one. Commit to it and stick with it. Then add another. Before you know it you will be on your way to building a better life for yourself. And remember to take God along with you. Ask Him to help you remove any bad habits you might need to eliminate. He is willing to help. Just ask…

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Spirituality

On The Move

Our bodies are meant to get us from one place to another. Safely! Are you taking care of yours?

The body is a magnificent machine. When combined with the brain, we can accomplish amazing things. I’m not saying everyone can be an Olympic athlete, but we can build strength, have more confidence, and perhaps even be an inspiration to others. Anything is possible when we believe.

If you haven’t exercised in a while, start with some simple exercises. Walk. Do some sit ups, pushups and body squats. Planks are good for your core. You don’t need a high-priced gym membership. You have everything you need right at home. The main thing is, get moving.

Your mind will kick in when you begin exercising. It will remind you to eat real foods, not processed or junk foods. It’s up to you to listen to what your brain is telling you. You will be on the road to success when you do listen, though.

Get your bank account prepared. You will need a new wardrobe if you commit to exercising regularly.

It’s my hope for you that you find joy in movement. You aren’t destined for a life of pain, tightness or a medicine cabinet full of pills. The choice is yours…

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Spirituality

The Importance of Stretching

Yesterday I went on a long walk. For some reason, probably laziness, I didn’t stretch before or after my walk. This morning my hamstrings are tight, reminding me to stretch next time. Our bodies give us clear signals.

But I want to address a different type of stretching: stretching our faith. In yesterday’s column I wrote about my experience with tithing. Tithing stretched my faith which means I was uncomfortable for a while. But I didn’t waver. And God came through.

Do you have friends or family members you trust completely? You know them to be reliable every time. But they are human with the flaws of an imperfect person. God isn’t like us. He’s perfect, trustworthy and reliable. He gave us a guidebook for life. We simply need to read it and apply what we read. I learned about tithing in Scripture.

Stretching your faith will challenge you. You will experience discomfort. But if you stay the course, rely on God for guidance and don’t give up, your life will be enriched beyond measure.

Try it. Stretch your faith…

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Spirituality

Peak Performance

Some coaches goad their players by telling them “they want 110% effort.” This is ridiculous. We can only give 100%. Better coaches would encourage us to “leave everything on the field.” In other words, give it everything you have.

In order to be at your optimum, you must do the prep work. Eat right, rest, stimulate your mind and throw in some exercise on a regular basis. By doing these things consistently, you put yourself in position to succeed. This applies in sports as well as daily life. You won’t be your best if you are running on an empty tank.

Of course, sometimes things don’t go our way. When we are mentally right we adapt, we adjust. We realize today wasn’t our day, but we live to fight on.

Each day will present its own set of new challenges. Look forward to them. You must push yourself harder on some days than others. If you are operating at peak strength, you put the odds in your favor…

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Spirituality

Too Old

Have you ever suggested an activity to someone, only for them to say, “I’m too old for that?” Are they aware that former President Bush jumped out of an airplane well into his 80’s? Remarkable.

Age is only a state of mind. It only exists in your head and your heart. It’s true that as we age we might not be as limber and flexible as we once were. That only means you have to take a little longer to warm up. You aren’t out unless you decide you are.

Our only limitations are the ones we place on ourselves. The mind is powerful, and mind over matter is a real thing. Don’t place artificial limits on yourself. You can go as far as you are willing to go in life.

I have no plans to jump out of a perfectly good airplane anytime soon. It could happen, but it’s highly improbable.

And like the song says, you’re only as pretty as you feel. Feel empowered to live and thrive…

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Uncategorized

Walking Tours

For the last three days I have been in Chicago. I’m returning home today. But man I have seen a lot of downtown Chicago!

I set out earlier this morning looking for a specific restaurant recommended by my assistant. Once again, Google directions failed me. Horribly. Oh well, I got in a nice walk before I found the restaurant. Google sent me a mile the wrong direction.

Walking is wonderful exercise. It’s easier on your knees, and we can walk farther than we can run. Walking allows us to experience nature while we are doing something that benefits our bodies.

Get outside. Walk around. Your future self will thank you…

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Uncategorized

Protein

If you are new to exercise, it’s important to watch what you eat to achieve your best results. Oftentimes I see people begin getting in shape, but they eat like a rabbit. Substituting a salad for a beautifully grilled ribeye is a mistake!

Protein provides the building blocks to build muscle. If you rob your body of protein, your body will turn on you. It requires you to feed it what it needs.

A word of caution: there are people who swear by an all-beef diet. You should find what is best for you. A diet without fresh vegetables might not be optimal. Do some research. Consult a nutritionist. Your body is a machine. Treat it right and it will last a long time.

Lifting weights, Pilates and walking are a nice combination. Try them, but don’t forget the protein!

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Spirituality

Take It Easy

In many ways we have become lazy. The proliferation of 7-11 stores was due to our desire to save time. We were willing to pay higher prices for convenience.

Fast food has become a staple of American culture and cuisine. Yes, we save time when we pick up a bag of hamburgers on the way home. But we miss the human connection we get from preparing a meal together. The loss is intangible so we don’t notice it as much.

Today, there are six obesity drugs available. Give yourself a weekly shot and you’ll lose much of your appetite. Yet, you also lose the satisfaction of taking the weight off naturally through exercise. The satisfaction of accomplishment is gone. Plus, weight loss through diet and exercise has no side effects, unlike drugs.

We are hardwired to grow, to achieve. This aids in the development of healthy neural pathways. God has given us every tool we need to live long, healthy, productive lives. Let’s not take His gift for granted…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is present in all of us. Dopamine is involved in a lot of what we feel during the day. Motivation, our attention span, and pleasure are some of the areas dopamine effects.

Dopamine can manifest some negative effects, too. Addiction to drugs, alcohol, online games, anything really addictive are related to dopamine production.

We can increase our dopamine levels naturally by exercising, getting good sleep and meditating. If you don’t like to meditate, try your hand at writing because writing hits the same center in the brain that meditation does.

Understanding how our bodies work is key to improving our health, and overall our lives. I encourage you to take time to learn about how dopamine plays a part in your life, and then put what you learned to work…

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