8/1/2013
Hello Friends,
I can think of a million blessings in my life, but one thing that I have always thanked God for was my health. I recall the first day I ever went to the gym at European Health club many years ago. That first day after I worked out and walked out of the gym I thanked God for my heath – and I have been doing that every day since. Those of you that take my exercise class know that at the end of each and every one of my fitness classes I say “We are so incredibly blessed to be healthy and safe enough to be here”. I have said that out loud at the end of every one of my classes for the last 30 years. I recall when I was little that anytime I was with my Mom and we saw a child who was disabled my Mom would say “God bless him/her”. I truly believe that single comment made me realize back then how blessed we were to have our health. My heart goes out to those who are disabled, but I know God is using them in ways they don’t yet understand.
When you work out – remember to thank God for your healthy body. So many people can’t even walk through the front door of the gym alone let alone work out. I don’t know about you, but that’s another thing that motivates me. Here are some tips for exercising:
1) Always exercise on Monday to kick start the week. Research shows that people who exercise regularly are healthier, have more energy, think more clearly, sleep better, are more productive, look great, feel great, and have a later onset of dementia. Why wait until Tuesday? Kick start your week and get a schedule down.
2) Exercise at whatever time works in your schedule. It doesn’t matter if it’s early morning, lunch time or night time. What matters is that you do it.
3) Try not to skip exercising two days in a row and if you do get right back to it. Two days turns into 4 days, turns into a week, turns into a month, and pretty soon you forgot that you ever exercised to begin with. Be consistent and put it in your planner.
4) Give yourself credit for doing anything. If it’s 20 minutes, 30 minutes or 60, high intensity, moderate intensity, low intensity – at least you did something! You are not always going to feel energetic every day. On the days you feel a lot of energy – hit it hard. On the days you don’t have the energy, work out anyway but cut yourself some slack. Chance are you will find energy through working out!
5) Work out most days of the week. Build it in your schedule and just do it no matter what.
6) Forget the excuses. I’ve heard them all and none of them are more important than your health and being able to be there for your kids and/or family. My Mom always told me that if I didn’t take care of myself, I won’t be able to take care of anyone else. It’s kind of like “put your mask on first and then assist your child” mentality. My Mom also told me “When you go down the ship goes down” – that’s enough for me to get motivated.
7) I know so many people that keep paying their gym memberships year after year and never go. Having a gym membership does not mean you are going to get in shape and healthy any more than standing in your garage makes you a car. It takes showing up at the gym and exercising, or working out at home, and it takes good dietary habits as well. But you know that right? So just do it! 😉
I hope to see you at Kingdom Bound this year!! I’ll be presenting in the WDCX tent at 1:30pm Monday and Tuesday giving The Raw Truth on Health, Fitness and Nutrition the way God intended! On Wednesday join us for the Well Builders Fitness Challenge at 1:30pm. Join us for a mile walk which I will lead and help us raise money for clean water in Sierra Leone! A few weeks ago on Neil Boron’s show, WDCX listeners have already raised 21K enough for 4 wells – that just blows my mind! But then again we know all things are possible with God so let’s double it! I will see you at Kingdom Bound! Go to the WDCX or KB web site for more information!
Your friend in Christ,
Robbie Raugh RN
Philippians 4:13
