Choose to Move

Finding ways to get your body back in motion can be a challenge. Often, years of being overweight will take their toll – sore backs, aching joints, and musculature that is primarily devoted to carrying around extra pounds. You are reclaiming your body through your choices now - exercise along with healthy eating are your keys to success.

But what to do? Because if you're honest with yourself, you'll know that if you don't like it you won't do it. There are hundreds of thousands of dollars wasted in gym memberships every year by people who think they ‘should’ go to the gym and then never do. They're paying for something they don't use, making them feel guilty on top of everything. There's this false idea that the gym is the only place to get a good workout.

The best and cheapest workout can be found outside. Walking is a wonderful form of exercise – people at most fitness levels can do it; it's free; it will produce endorphins in your brain (which makes you feel good, so you associate the activity with feeling good) and it can be done anywhere you find interesting. Walking connects you with the world and it's the most natural movement of your body. There's also a correlation between distance and calories burned – walking slowly or quickly will net about the same results, you just have to devote more time to the former.

You can also consider team sports like volleyball or badminton. Most recreation centres have adult leagues, and it's a great way to meet people.

Dance classes are another wonderful way to reconnect to your changing shape and size. Most dance encourages body awareness and graceful movement. Belly dance goes further – it focuses on core muscle strength and builds the muscle girdle that supports the lower and mid-back – like doing sit-ups while standing, only with great accessories and music! Originally the belly dance was to assist with fertility and birthing children, and as such, is mostly practiced by women. The community at a belly dance studio is supportive of all shapes and sizes, like hanging out with girlfriends.

Regardless of the activity, the important thing is to find one; seize opportunities to be active. Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator. Get off the bus two stops early. Walk to get milk. Do some sit-ups while you watch television. Dance to the radio in the morning! Just like choosing what goes in your mouth, you can choose to live actively. It will only help you on your way to reaching your weight loss goals.

Get moving – it’s the best thing you can do.