The news is layered with a plethora of studies that suggest living an inactive lifestyle is deadly. Many of us know, yet few are willing to admit, that sitting, being sedentary, and living a computer-bound life lead to early death. These facts are so startling, yet there are still so many struggling with adopting an active lifestyle.
Throughout my 20-year career as a fitness specialist and a yoga instructor, I have heard excuses that range from not being comfortable with breaking a sweat to being highly intolerant of pain (as if exercise is that agonizing). Many have fallen into the trap of using a holiday or some national event as a reason to eat in excess, and are undeniably proud of it. I will never understand why the appeal of being a lazy consumer overrides the benefits of being a healthy human being.
Americans are way too sedentary, and a staggering amount of people are given a diagnosis of some kind of preventable disease. Adult-onset diabetes, heart disease, and postural complications due to inactivity are just a few examples of conditions that could be avoided. It seems quite obvious that we need to utilize our precious brain cells and start taking care of our destiny. If not for longevity, we can at least take charge, and experience an increase in our quality of life, so we can enjoy our allotted time on earth rather than racking up a huge medical bill itemized with drugs and medications that make us feel awful.
There is no easy cure. I wish I could sell the world a product that would make everyone healthy and in return make me rich, but the fact of the matter is that it is up to the individual to make informed choices and carry on with the appropriate action. I am not into duping the desperate and the ignorant to make a quick buck, like so many money-hungry entities.
What I will suggest however, are some simple concepts that will hopefully plant the seed and motivate those in need of a health makeover. I would like nothing more than to see more people step outside of their comfort zone and breathe new light into their lives.
The following are a few of my favorite quotes that have struck me with a genuine desire to take care of my health. I wholeheartedly wish they would instill the same in others.
"The devil has put a penalty on all things we enjoy in life. Either we suffer in health or we suffer in soul or we get fat." -- Albert Einstein
The illusionary gratification of indulgence is a clever lure toward doom. The temptation of pleasure, whether it is from excessive eating or lazy or reckless behavior, does exist. A little discipline won't kill us, but giving in just might.
"Without health life is not life; it is only a state of languor and suffering -- an image of death." Buddha
Were you born to suffer? I think not. Take charge and enjoy your life. You are the only person who is held accountable for your actions, so make it a habit to take care of yourself.
"Leave all the afternoon for exercise and recreation, which are as necessary as reading. I will rather say more necessary because health is worth more than learning." Thomas Jefferson
Get up, get out, and do something good for yourself. The benefits are greater than what you might see from a product sold on TV, or from what you might learn from watching Dr. Oz, or perhaps find out while you are just sitting and surfing the Internet.
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