Run, Jog, Walk, Skip…

By Sherry Nicely

It doesn’t matter to me what you do to get moving; I just want you to get moving! I love that old saying, “You have to crawl before you walk, walk before you run.” It really makes sense to me. Not everyone is meant to be a runner. For some, even walking can be difficult. But you have to start somewhere. You have to get off the couch or out from behind your desk and get your body moving.

If you need some motivation, sign up for a local 5k race. If you need some inspiration, sign up for our “Walk for the Troops,” where I and other trainers, clients and friends have committed to run, walk, jog, swim, bike—any mode of exercise at all—a combined total of 26,000 miles for our troops serving overseas. We want to let our troops know we’re with them every step of the way this holiday season. Just tell us on Facebook how many miles you’ve exercised today, and we’ll add you to the total! It’s that easy!

There are numerous benefits to running, jogging, walking or skipping. Yes, I said skipping! (Try it! It’s actually a lot of fun.) Some of the benefits include improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure and weight loss, not to mention an improved mood (especially while skipping)!

So let’s get started, shall we? First, get a good pair of athletic shoes. It really does make a difference. Second, take a few minutes to warm up and also stretch before you get moving. Third, don’t forget to cool down afterward. And last but not least, have fun! The only way to have a consistent exercise routine you can live with is to have one that you look forward to.

Sherry Nicely is a NASM-certified Personal Trainer & Owner of Fitness Together Fairfax. Find her and her local Fitness Together colleagues at www.ftcustomfitness.com and follow them on Facebook to get their health tips and fitness news www.facebook.com/FTCustomFitness.

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