I knew today would be hard, but not hard hard! In the big schemes of things there is “hard” and then there is the kind of hard I knew today would be. This was not serious hard, just physically exercise hard.
I could have called this blog any number of things including, “Do This To See Your Body Shape Change” or “It All Adds Up To Something”. Those were titles that went through my mind as I did my very hard morning exercises. I have got to Day 16 of Medium Plan 1 on my App which is called “30 Days Challenge”. It’s a free download. I don’t know if it will be around in 100 years from now, but I’m sure exercise still will.
It never easier, it is true, and I think I have got better!
We are all gifted with varying degrees of discipline and if you practice it you can get more. I have practiced discipline concluding “if it is to be, it is up to me.” If you can get yourself disciplined enough to do download this app and start the daily exercises, you will definitely see the benefits. It’s free to download and starts with mild gentle exercises and then builds up to a mammoth brow-sweating, heart pounding, stomach crunching exercise routine that turns into about 35 minutes of meaningful exercise. You don’t need any exercise equipment except a carpet on which to work out and for some exercises, a chair.
A number of the exercises feel tame, but when you do 90 of them, it all adds up to something.
One of the things I think about often when I’m exercising is how wrong the physio was when two years ago she told me both my knees are shot and I can never run or squat or lunge again. Over the last two years, I took it easy and while I had the odd knee pain, it didn’t seem to get worse. This exercise routine is loaded with squats and lunges that challenge my knees. My right knee takes it all in its stride (haha), while my left knee has a slight twinge, I have carefully pushed on, resting regularly, but completing the routine. After exercising in increasing amounts since January, I feel my knees are better. The muscles and ligaments around them are stronger and while I will continue to take care, I think the prognosis for them in the future is good.
I feel stronger. I’m never going to be skinny – but while I can’t control the genetic component of my “cuddly” shape 😀 , I can control my fitness levels.
Discipline and practice.
Two words that will assist us as we go through life in so many spheres of our being. Physical exercise needs discipline and practice. Mental exercise needs discipline and practice – I don’t really do enough of that, but word games and Sudoku I guess do contribute. Spiritual exercise like reading the Bible, prayer and meeting other like-minded people also needs discipline to do. Relationally, spending time with other people for some takes effort – making a plan to meet friends, to sow into their lives and be an encouragement. Professionally, discipline and practice is probably the easiest to accomplish as most working people get paid to be at work, so there is a carrot dangled. But with all these things, there is benefit, that comes out of taking little steps and ultimately it all adds up to something good – an improved life and a sense of accomplishment. Better relationships. All round I feel stronger.
The only thing I haven’t really got right yet is Domestically – I need to discipline myself to clear out more stuff from my house. I need to practice that!
And so the hardness of today is over. Not only have I done a tough workout, I’ve written the blog on it as well!
#228 of my 1000 thanks is for occupation – I have work to do and I am so grateful. I often am amazed that God has bought for me a job that I can enjoy as much as I enjoyed radio presenting.
I put this in the other day. Don’t ever forget it…
Zechariah 4:10
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin…
These are the days!
Keep the smile going.
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂