Move to Thrive, Everyday!

I happen to catch Bob Green (fitness expert and Oprah's personal trainer) on Rachael Ray's show the other day, and he painted a picture for me that changed the way I think about exercise. Let me see if I can do the same for you.

Basically, he made the analogy that movement is life. Picture your body from the inside, veins, muscles, arteries, and organs. Think of your heart beating strong and pushing the blood through your body providing you with all that's good, and getting rid of all that's not so good. It has the strength and force to reach the outer limits (fingertips, and toes), making all the parts move and thrive.

Now think of a weak heart, beating with no vigor, and how it just moves the blood to the next place. Your blood is moving slowly and in some cases, losing momentum not making it all the way to your outer extremities. With the slow moving blood, you have weak veins and lack of breath. Since your veins and arteries don't have to support the force of the rush of blood, they get soft. When this happens, it is a prime environment for bacteria to grow, tears and breaks, and disease to set in.

Walking intentionally and vigorously for just 30 minutes everyday will keep your heart happy and your blood moving with force through your body. Strength training will make your muscles and bones strong. So many other things will go well, too. Your digestive system will work more efficiently, your energy levels will be high, and your body will eliminate properly and with regularity. Looking at it this way, how can you just sit there, not moving? I am working out with a trainer four days a week. Though it may not communicate in this picture, I am pushing up a pretty steep hill. It also happens to be about 30 degrees!

Our hearts are our life force and the international symbol for love. Love yourself and get those parts moving!