Healthy Living: Do as I say and now I do as I say too.

Healthy living means I also have to follow the rules.

My goal is to live life fully with an optimistic attitude and share this attitude with those I meet.  The past few months, however, have been quite interesting for me. Challenging even. Challenging enough that I finally sucked it up and made a doctor appointment that I went to last week. You know.  Me. The one that always writes to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise or nutrition program. What you did not know is that I equate going to the doctors with having my nails pulled out with pliers. Pleasant right?

What made me make the appointment?  Plain and simple, I felt like an alien had moved into my body and took over.  My activity level has increased and I am on track with my nutrition at least 80% of the time but the pounds were still adding up when I stepped on the scale. Something was wrong with this picture. Yes I am 56 and yes your body does change as we age, but this was not normal and as a fitness instructor I knew something was wrong. One thing about me is I tell it like it is and I told myself – self you have GOT to do something about this.

Going to the doctor was actually a huge relief for me. I will not go into details in this article, but if you are not feeling yourself or have unexplained symptoms like I had with lack of energy, insomnia and weight gain, it’s time to make that appointment.  Talk to your doctor and get the answers you need. Do NOT leave that doctor’s office until you feel completely comfortable with the answers you are getting.

Thank you for reading this post. Don't forget to subscribe! This way you never miss an update, travel deals, discounts and more!! Subscribe to the right------>

After giving hundreds of vials of blood to the vampire nurse (Kidding! The nurse was amazing.) I walked out of my doctor’s office feeling better than I had in quite some time.  If this sounds like you, it’s time to pick up your phone and schedule that appointment.

Do as I say AND do as I do.

Now that I know what’s going on and got the all clear signal from my doctor, it’s time to get back to doing what I love to do and that is training for half-marathons and triathlon. But I’m going to do it slowly and will include the non-exercise tips below into my schedule. Once you get the all clear signal from your doctor, try adding them to your schedule also.

• Rest.  Often the focus is on cardio and strength training but it is equally important to rest our bodies.  Rest allows your body to rejuvenate itself so you can keep on moving.
• Eliminate negativity.  We all have that person in our lives. The one that no matter what you say, do or plan has something to say about how bad it will be.  Limit the time you spend with them and keep a positive outlook for yourself.
• Be open to change.  Yes you read that right.  Think of it this way – change is GOOD. Why? When you accept that things will change, you will not be as resistant when it happens. Change is inevitable in all our lives. Don’t resist it.
• Don’t fall for stereotypes.  Who says a woman in her 70’s cannot dance? Or why cannot a man in his 80’s do yoga?  p.s. I have both in my Silver Sneakers and Gentle Flow Hatha Yoga classes and they make my heart smile.
• Find meaningful activities Retirement doesn’t mean you spend the rest of your life in a rocking chair. Retirement is the perfect time to try your hand at those activities and hobbies you never had time for when you were working.  These may include travel, going back to college, trying your hand at knitting, meeting new friends.  The world is waiting for you.

Life is a gift and meant to be enjoyed. Make sure your body supports you as you join me in aging gracefully.  Live. Love. Life.  Have a wonderful week!

To your health.

Denise