It takes a lot to get most of us
to exercise. Despite the constant media barrage of perfect 10 bodies on men and
women, most normal people just cannot get themselves to don those exercise
shoes and get off their behinds.
For city dwellers, most of us
have (or have had) a gym membership that is hardly used, a pair of sneakers that
has disintegrated after lying in the shoe rack for years, a set of work-out
clothes that may as well be returned to the store un-used – except that they’re
at least a few months (if not years) old. No? Not the case for you?
Ah well, I may be the only one
then. But for me, a daily routine of exercise is certainly not normal.
Normal. What’s that, you ask?
Sitting on a chair for 10-12 hours a day. Having something sweet after every
meal. Eating pizzas a few times every fortnight. A bite of chocolate here and
there. Excuses to skip that exercise routine “just today” (which turns into
“just this month” before you know it!). Lo and behold, I’ve managed to put on
more than 10 kilos and pushed my BMI to the brink of “obese”.
So what is it that forced me to put on those walking shoes and seriously (and consistently) watch what I put in my mouth? Counter-intuitive it is, but I did all this diligently during the time I was doing god’s own work of creating the next generation! The days during my pregnancy when I couldn't go for my 30 minute walks were days that I actually felt guilty. I consciously avoided fried and fatty foods, and reduced my intake of sweets and deserts. My daily routine of 50 squats, cat stretches and pelvic tilts made for a nice comic sight for my husband as he lazed away on the couch. But I persevered – there was always a voice in my head saying that it’s only thirty odd minutes, and that keeping a healthy lifestyle can affect your to-be-born for eternity!
And you realize that it’s that
simple to stay motivated.. just a matter of consequences. If we can be so
considerate for our offspring, then why not for our own older selves? A
habitual walk every single day will make sure we stay on our feet till our last
days. We should feel incomplete on days when the walk hasn't happened. After
all, we have only one body; might as well keep it in working condition for as
long as possible.
