ED FREE reasons to exercise

If I hear the word calorie one more time in an exercise class I am going to FREAK out! People
say calorie like calories are our worst enemy. Actually, without calories we would all die!...duh
we all know that. So why has the word Calorie become so taboo?!?! Why don't we ever hear
things in class like..."Strengthen those muscles you don't wanna fall apart when you're old" or "Work that
heart rate so you can keep up with your crazy kids" or what about "Doesn't that feel good! Your
heart is thanking you right now." But NO, time and time again I hear "Push it, you look too comfortable,
you should be suffering, You want "RESULTS." Think about those calories" Aaaaaaa that irks me. Well.....maybe I don't want results! okay! Maybe I am just here to be HEALTHY. Yea, remember that word, I think you have forgotten what it really means. It also includes mind and soul. Maybe I am here so I can have more energy throughout the whole day, not to be worn out from this class. Maybe I am here to feel good and enjoy what I'm doing. That's a thought! There are a lot of people that push themselves to extremes to look better and lose weight. But how many people really go to the gym not focused on appearance but focused on health...and to me Health includes mind & soul, happiness, self love, and women having that little pouch in there stomach from having kids. So if you think you're unique because you can push yourself at the gym and are "disciplined enough" to have a tight butt and thin thighs, you're not. there are A LOT of people who have mastered that. On the other hand it IS unique to have a healthy, BALANCED relationship with you're body, exercise and food. To love who you are and know that your self worth has no attachment to your pants size. THAT, my friends, is accomplishment. And much more fulfilling, I must say. Now, I know there are people who, for healths sake, need to lose weight. And you will (if you need to) by taking this holistic approach to exercise, focusing on TRUE health. And you will find much more joy on the path to weight loss. But for those of you who don't need to lose weight, and those who do... Love your bodies already! (I know, its hard to do)

ED FREE REASONS TO EXERCISE:

• It feels good to move!
• Releases endorphins which make us happy and love life
• Increases bone strength
• Increased stress tolerance
• Its a way of expressing emotions; like gratitude, happiness, disappointment, excitement, etc. Its not JUST an outlet for stress.
• Decreased blood pressure
• Reduced risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, hypertension, and some cancers
• Increased level of good cholesterol (HDL); decreased total cholesterol level
• Increased heart and lung strength
• Increased metabolism- revs up energy production in the cells
• Higher energy level, a little more alert and spunky
• Mental health benefits; decreases depression
• General sense of well being; an improved outlook on life
• Better sleep: helps us sleep more soundly and wake up more refreshed
• Sense of empowerment- seize the day attitude

TIPS for Healthy Exercise:

• Find things you LOVE to do and make exercise FUN
• Engage in a variety of activities. This will increase your enjoyment factor and decrease your risk of injury
• Focus on how it FEELS
• Disassociate exercise from weight loss
• Be careful not to over exercise, keep it balanced. Your body needs rest too. 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF UNHEALTHY OR UNBALANCED EXERCISE:

• Exercise is the primary means of coping
• Exercise occurs despite injury
• Withdrawal effects (i.e., sleep and appetite disturbance, negative shift in mood, decreased concentration) occur when exercise is withheld.
• Overuse injuries
• Stress fractures
• Menstrual irregularity
• Loss of bone density
• Decreased Immunity
• Frequent colds and/or upper respiratory tract infections
• Inflexibility of exercise schedule