Keeping physically fit is so much more than a physical thing. Sound funny? But my friend, if you want to show up strong and full of life for your life, if you want to be there for yourself, your kids, your spouse, if you want to do your best at work, and then go serve and make an impact on your community, you need to be healthy and have the energy to pull it off! It is not about looking good, though that is a pleasant side effect, it is about having the energy, the health, and the strength to show up for your life and walk in a path of growth and service. Your body is an amazing gift, it is the vehicle that will carry you through this life. If you are kind to it by keeping it moving, keeping it strong, feeding it good stuff, then it will serve you well through life. It is the temple of your soul. Think about that? How would we treat and look after a beautiful temple, and even more importantly, one that is connected to the most precious part of us—our soul, our spiritual core, our true self?

Exercise doesn’t only deliver energy and strength though. The psychological benefits of moving your body have been well documented. The endorphins that are released through a good workout make you feel happier, more positive, like you can go out and conquer another day. It can even combat anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that exercise increases brain alertness and performance in the short term and decreases or delays symptoms of diseases like Alzheimer’s as we age. Not to mention how it improves heart health, decreases osteoporosis if you include some strength training (ladies, go grab those weights!), I could go on and on… 

As I wax lyrical here, you may be wondering whether fitness has always been a focus in my life and the answer is, unfortunately, no. I didn’t grow up in a family that prioritized exercise, so it wasn’t a regular part of my life. But I married a man for whom exercise was essential, and he was always encouraging me to get moving. Although to be honest, it wasn’t until I was struggling to bounce back physically after having my second baby that I really developed a habit of consistent daily exercise. 

So I started to workout several days a week. It was hard. I literally had to push myself to do it e-v-e-r-y day. But I stuck with it. And slowly it started to feel less like work and more like something I enjoyed. It started to feel like something that fed me instead of took from me. I started to feel stronger, I started to feel more energetic, which in turn made me feel more positive, I just felt like I could do more. And all it took was just over a half an hour of my day, a small sacrifice for all the benefits I was experiencing. 

Now in my mid-40s exercise is an even bigger part of my life. It doesn’t take more time in my day (still 30-40 minutes), but I see it as even more essential and enjoyable. Let me tell you folks, as you age, you start to really appreciate all that your body does for you. It is an amazing gift, it is your vehicle to get you through this life. You need to take care of it, so that it can keep carrying you through your days, allowing you to love and serve and pursue your joy.

What are your favorite ways of keeping your body healthy and strong?