For many of us, exercise is a four-letter word. Even though we've heard plenty to the contrary, the no pain, no gain approach has been cemented in too many minds as the only type of physical activity that really counts when it comes to healthy weight management.
The truth is, physical activity works best when we do it! What keeps us doing it is how good it makes us feel, both during and after. A study last year also showed that women aged 40-60 who exercised at a moderate level were much happier and more likely to continue their fitness efforts than those who worked out more intensely.
What makes for moderate exercise? Walking (something that has formed the core of our fitness program at Green Mountain at Fox Run since the 1970s), dancing, bike riding on level ground, playing doubles tennis, water aerobics are all good examples.
It's spring and in the northern climes, that means cleaning up the yard and getting gardens started! Plenty of great exercise there.
Whatever you decide to do, enjoy!
~Written by Marsha Hudnall, MS, RD, director & owner of Green Mountain at Fox Run, a women's retreat for healthy living without dieting. Learn more about Green Mountain here and read more of our thoughts on our blog A Weight Lifted