sticking to a fitness routine

Propel Fitness Water used to run ads with the slogan, “FIT HAS A FEELING!” That slogan has really stuck with me because I believe it’s true: There is a feeling that comes with exercise. While you may not be able to put your finger on it, it’s there. When my alarm clock starts buzzing at 4:30 am, there is a feeling that makes me get up. It’s deep inside, but as tired as I may feel, I love getting out of bed to work out!

Is there a best time of day to work out? I get this question a lot — and an article in The New York Times earlier this month validated my opinion: Exercise at any time of day beats no exercise at all.

I recently read an article about a mall in England that posted colorful, stand-out signs by the escalator/stairs in the mall last Christmas to encourage and inspire shoppers to take the stairs instead of the escalators. The article noted that “normally, about 4 percent of people at the mall take the stairs but after adding the signs, that went up to nearly 10 percent.”

I realized early in life that my health is a privilege I am willing to invest in every single day. I’ve taught my body to train in an almost meditative manner, where my focus is complete. It is not always like that, and I don’t work out when I’m sick. But when I’m healthy, I follow my plan — because I know that in the big picture, every drop of sweat and effort I spend toward my health and well-being is worth it. That is the reality.