Today’s blogpost from the Highland Lake Inn’s Health and Wellness Coach focuses on an age-old question: ‘Once I have started my health and wellness program, how can I be sure I’ll stay on track for the long term?’
The Highland Lake Inn, in exclusive collaboration with BodyVision SL health coaching company, has designed the yearlong program to help the client with both parts of the question right from the onset.
Most of us know that physical exercise is good for us, many of us feel we don’t have the time or don’t ‘like’ going to the gym, or have gotten out of shape and dread getting back to regular workouts. But there is good news: ‘Exercise doesn’t have to be grueling to do you some good’, says Michele Olson, Pd.D., professor of health and human performance at Auburn Univeristy in Montgomery, Alabama. ‘Research shows it’s the accumulation of movement that counts – whether you walk the dog or do yoga, regular activity is more important than the specific activity’.
In other words, those who go to the gym regularly in a structured program or those who incorporate activity into their daily lives in little ways (walking to work, gardening, dancing to a favorite song…) are getting the same health benefits across the board, and are faring much better than those leading a sedentary lifestyle.
‘One study conducted at the Cooper Institute for Aerobica Research in Dallas, for example, tested 235 formerly inactive men and women for two years; participants followed either a lifestyle activities program or a structured exercise program. Both programs produced the same improvements in fitness, heart health, and reduction of body fat percentage, indicating that an overall increase in lifestyle activity is just as effective as a structured exercise program.’ *
Based on this sudy, your health and wellness program does not have to incorporate activities that feel cumbersome, like a chore, but can be arranged around your lifestyle and preferences. The ‘homework’ exercise is in determining your preferences based on your sports ‘personality’. Are you the outdoorsman, the competitor, the social butterfly, the dreamer, the one who pursues new challenges and variety?
‘Chose activities that mesh well with your personality and lifestyle, and you’ll be more likely to stick to them. Plus, the mental relaxation and enjoyment you’ll gain are as good for you as the activity itself.’*
Take the brief quiz by contacting info@bodyvisionsl.com and receive a free 30 minute consultation from the health coach!
Resources: ‘The Sugar Solution‘, by Sarí Harrar, 2004
I’m working with Tatiana from BodyVision at the moment and am finding the principles of both following activities that I enjoy as well as just incorporating movement in my day to day life a great boost in my attitude to exercise in general.
This approach makes exercise a lot easier and therefore increases motivation and a desire for more. Great Stuff!
The Inn looks like such a nice place!