EXERCISE YOUR BODY

Do you exercise? I have exercised ever since I had my first child, almost forty two years now. I cannot go for many days without exercise without that “something missing” feeling. Exercise can be life giving. I know it brings me back to life. When we walk, run, bicycle or get aerobic exercise of any form, blood carrying life giving oxygen pulsates through our lungs. Oxygen is plentiful in the air. We cannot live but a few moments without it. Our lives are most dependant upon oxygen. It stands to reason to feel our best we need to get the oxygen into our bodies. The best way to do this is to get regular exercise on a daily basis. It not only keeps our lungs fit but our bodies in good shape.

According to Jethro Kloss in Back to Eden, our blood changes from a dark purplish color to a bright red color when we exercise. The oxygen uptake by our lungs is responsible for this healthy change in color. Read his chapter on “Fresh Air, Exercise, and And Sleep”. Regular exercise improves the lung function. According to Kloss six times more carbon dioxide is removed from our bodies during heavy exercise. Simply by walking you can increase the amount of oxygen your body takes in by three times. Just about everyone can get out and take a walk. To be healthy and have a long life Kloss states that” open air exercise is most important.” The more you exercise the more oxygen your body will receive. We benefit mentally as well as physically. To build up your immune system, exercise is critical. Pure blood and healthy nerves are a result of vigorious exercise. If you want to get your blood circulating, exercise is a must.

A lot goes on during exercise. There are basic facts we need to look at concerning energy (ATP) metabolism. Carbohydrates can be an important energy source for the muscles and other human tissues. Glucose specifically is the carbohydrate of choice by our bodies. Glycogen carbohydrate reserves are stored in our muscle tissue and liver. One-third of the glycogen is stored in the liver and two-thirds in the muscle tissue. It is the muscle glycogen endurance athletes and fitness buffs need for prolonged activity. The glycogen may be converted by the body to glucose to provide energy during the workout. To circumvent this simply drink a carbohydrate sports drink. It is also good to know that for every gram of glycogen stored in muscle tissue, there are three grams of water stored as well. Of course, drinking plenty of water is critical to a good workout.

Do you have eight minutes a day? According to Jorge Cruise in his book, 8 Minutes in the Morning, that is all you need to get fit. I invest about an hour a day myself but let’s look at what he offers. Jorge states, “the morning hours are best for exercise because it is the only time that most people have free.” It is easier to get distracted later in the day and not exercise at all. Not a morning person? Jorge explains “there is no such person. “ Simply get into the routine of getting up and work eight minutes in. In twenty eight days you will notice a difference. According to Jorge, the feel-good feeling after exercise comes from the pituitary gland in the brain. Endorphins are released when you exercise. You may find yourself coping better during the day because endorphins in the bloodstream have a very positive effect on the way we feel. You will build muscle which in turn will help you stay lean. He also states exercise has an anti-aging effect. Along with his program, which is strength training, one should get at least thirty minutes a day of aerobic exercise such as walking, running or swimming.

You may have heard of Pilates. It happens to be a favorite form of strength training for the core of the body. Joseph Pilates is quoted for saying” Fitness is the first requisite to happiness.” Pilates has been around for decades. It is a workout that stresses strengthing the core of the body through flexibility and grace. Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. He invented this form of exercise. Pilates was a sickly child and became determined to overcome this illness which held him back. He became an accomplished gymnast by the time he was in his teen years. He left for England in 1912. Working as a physical therapist and training as a boxer, he expanded his knowledge. During World War I he used his methods to rehabilitate injured soldiers. Pilates devised his exercise programs to not only develop a strong body but also to engage the mind. Joseph Pilates came to America in 1926. He opened his first exercise studio in New York City that year. He became recognized by Martha Graham and George Balanchine, two of America’s most famous dancers. The rest is history and he lived until 1967. Pilates is a gentle form of strength training designed to give long lean muscles. It is not only used to strengthen the body but also to rehabilitate those who have had injuries. It is part of my exercise routine.