I don't need to lose weight, but skinny does not equal fit. It just means I have scrawny parents: Mom usually wears clothes smaller than me, and Dad is 5'11" and has recently bulked up (ha!) to about 150 pounds. Because I've been really convicted lately about the importance of taking care of myself physically, and because we were recently given a very nice Nordic Track treadmill for FREE, I have made a commitment to get fit. To help with motivation, I made this list to hang on the wall right by the treadmill...
Really good reasons to Exercise:
- to have more energy/stamina to enjoy my family, work, and daily life.
- to be healthier now and in the future
(control asthma, avoid osteoporosis, etc)- to avoid expensive doctor visits.
- to be physically able to do whatever God call me to do.
- to look cute (let's be honest!) for myself and my husband.
- because the very glory of God inhabits my body: “Do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
- because a healthy, holy tabernacle provides the best possible environment in which a healthy, holy soul and spirit can thrive:"...present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1
- because how I treat my body is just as important as how I care for my spirit and soul: "... may your spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Even though I love the idea of listening to podcasts while I work out, I just can't do it. The ear thingies (yes, that is a technical term!) drive me bananas, and I'm such a visual learner that my mind totally wanders if I don't have some way to connect visually (taking notes at church during sermons, for instance). I've figured out that reading while walking on the treadmill works well for me, but it has to be a good, engaging book, and to add a bit more motivation, I have to make a rule for myself that I can only read that particular book while on the treadmill. (Right now I'm reading Embrace Me by Lisa Samson.)
After 20+ minutes on the treadmill, I'm using my exercise ball and hand weights to work out my upper body, do sit-ups, and so on. I listen to music (on the computer) while I'm doing that. I seriously have to start getting up earlier in the morning so I can get a work-out, quiet time, and a shower all in before breakfast. For the past couple of weeks, the time of day has varied greatly for my work-outs, and that just won't work long-term.
A new idea I'm starting this week is to keep a log of my work-outs: how long I exercise, how many miles I walk, and what my weekly goals are. I'm such a list-maker and box-checker that this should add a little more motivation. Maybe blogging about it will help, too, and add a bit of accountability. Every little bit helps!
Isn't it annoying how HARD it is to create a good habit?
