Exercise and Discipline
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“The way you do anything, is the way you do everything.”
If you’ve been a reader of this blog for a while now, you might know that I am a fan of two particular things: dedication, and relaxation – particularly through exercise, on both counts.
When it comes to exercise there is absolutely no doubt that regular movement is essential for healthy muscles and joints, and general emotional wellness too due to the hormones released into the system when exercising. However I am of the opinion that most people exercise too hard. I’d like you to consider for a second that when we have too much stress in our systems our health and vitality will deteriorate. With regard to this, most people are unaware that they are highly stressed and that exercise is a stress on your body as well – so when most people are working out in the gym they are really just putting stress on top of stress. Not a good idea!
To combat this I suggest softer style exercises – tai chi, yoga, pilates, and my personal favourite, qi-gong. Once again if you have followed me and this blog for a while you’ll know that I have done tai chi and qi-gong exercises for a long time now.
In september 2006 my mentor Paul Chek challenged myself and the rest of my class to perform 100 days of qi-gong in a row, using the powerful motivational tool of the quote, “The way you do anything is the way you do everything.” Up until this point I had tried to get to 100 days and had consistenly found excuses not to exercise, or ‘work in’ as this soft style exercise has come to be known. In fact the highest number of days I achieved was 13 before I missed a day. I sorely needed more discipline, but this was until I was challenged and then I comfortably put my dedication to good use and made 100 days.
I said internally to myself that if I cannot find 10-20 minutes to exercise out of every 24 hours then I am truly prioritising things wrongly. Not only did I make it to 100 days i made it to approximately 750 days (I stopped counting after 2 years!) This was until the birth of my daughter just three weeks ago, and any new parent will tell you that finding 10 minutes to yourself where you dont just sleep is near impossible.
(Now, I must stop to tell you I am in no way disappointed in myself but well and truly motivated to start again at day 1.)
At this time of year people begin to discuss New Years Resolutions and the logical thing would be to start my next ‘gong’ (100 days of discipline) on New Years Day, but I am afraid to say that health and vitality does not wait. I started again this past Monday with my lifestyle and routine a little more in balance, and I feel great to be doing my exercises again.
My challenge to you now is to choose a soft style exercise and starting today perform 10-20 minutes each and every day for the next 100 days without missing a day or you go back to 1. I assure you that you will definitely feel healthier for Christmas a result!
If you are unsure of how to perform soft style exeecises, try any of these simple Zone Exercises.
Good luck and comment to let me know your progress.
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i enjoyed reading your blog. i’m a very health conscous person-i don’t evn remember the last time i was sick. there is this this fruit juice i’ve been drinking it’s calld MonaVie.it’s blend 19 of the world rich body-beneficial fruits.it would be a good idea if you try it, with most of us not eating 5 serving of fruits as recommended, it’s convenient and you save money