Have you ever noticed that you feel tired and sluggish when you DON’T exercise, and you feel energetic and sharp when you DO exercise? There is a definite scientific connection with energy level and exercise. Let me explain why this happens and suggest how you can change your lifestyle to create the most living in your life!!
When you exercise, your body produces endorphins. What are they exactly? The word endorphin comes from putting together the words “endogenous,” meaning from within the body, and “morphine,” which is an opiate pain reliever. In other words, endorphins got their name because they are natural pain relievers. The main jobs of endorphins are to reduce pain and boost pleasure. Endorphins have many other benefits including reducing stress and anxiety, increasing self-esteem, and regulating weight. As you can see, endorphins should be something that everyone works hard to attain!
The secret sauce is to exercise to produce endorphins for that natural high. This is where the vicious cycle of being tired and sluggish stops. You incorporate exercise into your daily life. As your fitness levels improve with your exercise, your body releases these treasured pleasure boosters! That’s it! Exercise to feel better!!
Now how to do it. Make exercise a priority in your weekly schedule. I like to suggest to use each 7 day week as your time frame. Choose to add 4-6 days of exercise over your week. Scheduling time for exercise seems to work best when it’s viewed like a doctors appointment. Schedule your spin session into your phone, or pencil your run into your calendar. It takes work and effort, but it can be done!! Making it a priority will allow you to make it happen.
Another way to build exercise into your lifestyle is to set a goal and register for a race!! Consider joining a running club to meet new friends and help motivate yourself and stay accountable. She Runs is a women’s only running company right here in Monmouth County, founded by Jen Vieth of Middletown, NJ. “It’s more than just a run!” has been said a zillion times by many women in this group! This company welcomes any female runner who wishes to learn to run or improve her skills (all paces/all fitness levels). There are no fees to join the private Facebook page and there are no fees to join in on the Saturday morning group runs; just come with a smile and positive attitude. She Runs offers reasonably priced training programs for 5k, 5 mile, 10k, 10 mile, and half marathons. She Runs participates as an empowered and supportive group of women in many local races of varying distances. Why run alone when you can run/train with a group of wonderful women!
Please learn more about She Runs at our website www.sheruns.net and social sites, Facebook and Instagram. Our private Facebook page is now strong at nearly 800 female local women. The Union Beach 5k/3.1 mile Training program starts on Saturday 4/13!! Please reach out to me at jen@sheruns.net with any questions, or to get on ‘the’ list for a training program!
