Monday Makeovers — The Miracle Beauty Product

Week 9: You knew I had to talk about it eventually. The miracle beauty product that most of us want to avoid.

Exercise!

But before you groan, let’s take a look at what you’re doing to yourself if you don’t get moving, and afterwards, surprising benefits and beauty basics when you do. All of the information I’m listing is taken from scientific research, expert opinion, and true-life testimonials — I’m not a physician, so I lean on the qualifications of others, except when it comes to my own experience.

There’s much more available than what I have space to write, or you have time to read, but do your own homework, and find out why it’s worth scheduling a little exercise into your daily routine.

Consequences of Skipping Regular Exercise 

• Consistent bad mood and cranky outlook on life
• More aches and pains
• Sleep problems and more fatigue throughout the day
• Stress hormones elevate, and tend to stay at higher levels
• A sense of overwhelming burn-out or depletion can hover like a cloud
• Weakened immune system
• Increased blood pressure
• Brain changes that can cause anxiety, depression, and addictions
• Weight gain
• Higher chance of heart disease, strokes, and cancer at an early age
• Added years on your face
• Pasty and dull skin

Rewards of Adding an Exercise Habit

• People who exercise tend to feel much happier

  

• Releases natural pain-killers
• Sleep deeper and feel more rested while awake
• Relieves stress physcially, but also offers time alone, or for a social experience if you exercise with a friend
• Provides a sense of accomplishment and well-being because you acted on your desire to treat yourself better
• Fewer viruses and bacterial illnesses, plus science proves you are less likely to contract the big diseases
• Stronger bones, muscles, brain function, and even cellular structure
• Toned, tighter body, even when the scale doesn’t show big losses
• Increases time outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air
• Improves your sex life
• Slows the aging process — inside and out
• Gives you an excuse to play again

So what’s the best way to incorporate exercise into your days? First, I’ll go to the obvious, seek medical advice on what’s best for you. Secondly, don’t compare yourself to what works for others. Find your own way to get it done. But even as I say this, I know some of you are like me, you prefer some practical tips and ideas to get you started, so I’ll simply share what’s working for me. After all, it’s not always easy to motivate yourself to start, although starting is the hardest part. For me, once I’m on the move, I tend to continue for at least ten minutes at a time.

• Mix it up is one of my success secrets, it keeps me from getting bored and my body can’t get lethargic in the same old routine

  

• Make it fun at least once or twice a week for something to look forward to — I especially like dancing to music from my younger years
• I use a Zumba DVD to really get the sweat going at least once a week
• Twice a week at least I use hand weights to further my body tone and burn more fat
• The C25K app gets me running a bit, and is also pushing toward my goal of eventually running a 5K race
• Some days I feel extra tired, so I give myself a break, and simply walk, but try to do so for a minimum of thirty minutes
• Here’s one of my big secrets — I do one minute intervals of jogging, dancing, or marching while brushing my teeth, in the shower, getting dressed, etc.
• To make better use of my time, I often jog in place or use my weights while watching the news so I can stay up on current events and still exercise
• I pray for strength, a healthy body to keep moving, and protection from injuries
• I listen to my body, and if it’s telling me to slow down, I do — at this stage in life it’s not only okay to go slower, it’s wise

I hope I’ve inspired you to get up and move more often. I feel so much better after nine weeks of intentionally incorporating exercise into my life. I hope you’re able to spare a few minutes a day to energize your own body, and live a happier life.

Let me know how you’re doing, okay?

Anita Fresh Faith

Anita Agers-Brooks is a Business and Inspirational Coach, Certified Personality Trainer, Productivity Expert, Certified Training Facilitator, Communications Specialist, national speaker. She’s the author of, First Hired, Last Fired — How to Become Irreplaceable in Any Job Market. Now available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books a Million, and Christianbook.com.

She’s a partner in The Zenith Zone, a business coaching firm. Member of the Christian Writer’s Guild, Toastmasters, a client of WordServe Literary Group, and the Simply Sue Speaks booking agency. A graduate of CLASSeminars for Leaders, Speakers, and Authors, a co-founder of The StoryWriting Studio, and speaker on circuit for Stonecroft International Ministries.

Anita’s passionate about business with integrity, healthy relationships, and issues of identity. She travels the country teaching others from her personal experiences and research. She believes it’s never too late for a fresh start with fresh faith.

Anita likes to lounge by a river or lake in Missouri, laughing with with her husband of thirty years, Ricky.

Follow her FreshFaith blog anitabrooks.com. You may contact her via website anitabrooks.com/contact/ or email anita@anitabrooks.com.