In addition to what I believe to be sound dietary advice, one of the most common recommendations that I give to my clients and readers is to:  Get some form of regular exercise!

Trust me, that doesn’t win me any popularity contests.  Exercise is loathsome to a lot of people, and many will do just about anything to avoid it.

But I nonetheless continue to fervently tell people to exercise…even if my words fall on deaf ears or cause many an eye to roll.

Why?

Two reasons.

One, you simply cannot achieve the most optimal level of health possible and/or maintain a healthy bodyweight without it.  Ain’t no magic pill out there that’s going to replace physical activity, period.

Second, I walk my talk.  I’m not sitting here on my derriere telling you to move it while I do nothing. 

And I’ve recently had to make a major change in my fitness regimen since moving to Florida last fall!

Here’s what’s going on:

From black belt to white

Many people tell me they feel “too far gone” or “overwhelmed” when it comes to exercise, and they don’t know where to begin.

My response is to pick something and get started.

That’s how I began my martial arts training 18 years ago.  I walked into a karate dojo at age 41 feeling rather scared but was determined to give it my best shot.

Now as a 4^th degree master blackbelt, I’m very glad I did that.  I’ve enjoyed a level of fitness over the last 18 years that I never had before in my life and have maintained a slender bodyweight without ever dieting.

But after I moved to Florida last fall, I could not locate a karate school that teaches my style that was any closer than 70 miles away from my home.

Now what do I do?

Well, giving up was certainly not an option, so after a lot of research and soul searching, I joined a mixed martial arts school…as a white belt again!

This program is entirely different from my karate training and encompasses a lot of practical application—close-range fighting, grappling, self-defense, disarming, throws and takedowns. 

Was it a humbling experience to put a white belt on again?  Sure was.  But the new skills I’m learning and the continued elevation of my fitness level is worth every minute.

Here’s a picture of me testing for my gold belt Monday night (I passed, by the way!):

Why did I tell you this story?

Simple.

I told you this story because if I can exercise regularly at nearly age 60, so can you!

You don’t have to do martial arts, of

course, but you can certainly find a way to get some movement.

No more excuses. 

If you want to enjoy your golden years pain- and disease-free (or heck, even make it into your golden years), exercise is not optional, my friend.  It’s time to get started.

Motivation is the key!

One of the biggest roadblocks to regular exercise is lack of motivation. 

So to help keep you motivated, here are 6 ways to make exercise more enjoyable:

1 - Get a buddy.  You’ll talk and laugh the time away, plus you’ll be less likely to skip a workout if you have someone counting on you to show up.

2 - Keep your goals real.  Don’t say you’re going to run 5 miles a day if you’ve never even run 50 feet before.  Start with reasonable goals and build up.

3 - Join an exercise class.  You’ll be in a room full of people that are in the same boat as you and you’ll likely make new friends.

4 - Remember to periodically look back and see how far you’ve come.  Even if you wanted to run those 5 miles, if you are now up to 2 miles, pat yourself on the back!  That’s a great accomplishment.

5 - Tell yourself every time you’re putting on your sneakers, “I am worthy of great health and I can do this.”

6 - Most importantly, IGNORE THE NAY-SAYERS!  Don’t listen to those people who want to discourage you and bring you down by telling you you’re going to hurt yourself or criticizing you.  I was once told that my running stride was no good.  I remembered that remark and laughed after completing my third full marathon.

Remember to support your body’s efforts to be fit and healthy!

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that since you’re working out, you can eat like crap or throw healthy habits to the wind!

I always tell my clients that NO amount of exercise will negate the effects of a bad diet and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Here are some important points to remember:

• Make sure to stick to a wholesome diet of real foods, and avoid processed foods, refined carbs and soda.  Do the majority of your grocery shopping in the outer perimeter of the store where the fresh foods are located.  Also, keep the booze under control. 
• Getting enough rest is crucial too.  Your body regenerates and heals itself during sleep, so make sure you’re getting 7-9 hours a night.  If you have trouble sleeping, our Soothing Zzzz’s Blend Gummies can help by providing a supportive dose of melatonin to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
• Keeping inflammation low is essential too, especially if you haven’t exercised in a while (or ever).  Our VitalMega-3 Fish Oil Formula is your ticket for safely and naturally curbing inflammation.  Note that in addition to keeping your joints working comfortably, fish oil also has been proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol too!
• Hydrate often.  Now is not the time to skimp on your water consumption, especially if you are exercising outside in the warm weather.  And don’t get sucked into the energy drink/sports drink trap.  Your body’s primary need is water unless you are exercising in extremely hot weather for over 90 minutes.
• Make sure your gut is healthy.  Nothing will put a damper on your workout like being gassy and bloated or not absorbing needed nutrients.  Our Super Shield Multi-Strain Probiotic Formula can help ensure your microbiome contains a healthful balance of beneficial bacteria to curb gas and bloating and enhance nutrient absorption.

Get going on your new exercise routine and start enjoying the new you that you will create!

And when you see your success, please share your story with me.  I’d love to hear from you.

To your health and fitness,

Sherry Brescia