Almost 3 years ago now my Dad died really suddenly of a heart attack. It was unexpected and a huge shock to me and my family. It has however made me think a lot more seriously about my health and my lifestyle and about the fact that I want to live the best, healthiest, longest life I can, not just for my own benefit but for the benefit of my future family and loved ones.
According to the Heart Foundation, approximately one in two New Zealanders (that’s half the population!!!)is overweight or obese, and we wonder why cardiovascular disease is currently the leading cause of death (40%) in New Zealand? The worst part? The majority of these deaths are preventable.
So what are two main things we can do to avoid this problem? Get Active and have a Balanced Diet.
I have always loved exercise, I was in multiple sports teams at school and although I was never the best, I just enjoyed being a part of a team, socializing with different people and being active. However after highschool as many of you will know it is harder to fit it in, life gets busy and exercise without even realising it can slip completely off the radar.
I believe life is there to be lived, to have fun and experiences that you look back on with a smile, so I don’t think that means running every morning and never touching a piece of cake again but I’m trying to learn to get the balance right now while I’m young. It took me a good 2 years to actually put my thoughts into action. So I know from experience that it is easier said than done.
So I have implemented a plan to make sure I work out, maybe it will work for you too. I love hanging out with my friends and I hate letting them down so I make a commitment to hang out with them and exercise at the same time. Monday and Thursday is Zumba with Amy and Lauren, Tuesday is pilates or yoga with Shanny and various mornings of the week are runs with Sammie. It’s the longest I’ve ever lasted with consistent (not including in a team) exercise
I think exercise is so important and something that everybody needs in their life. So I encourage you to ask yourself if your doing enough and if the answer if no then get a buddy, someone who can keep you accountable and get moving, you will feel so good about yourself in the long run. There are so many different forms of exercise that I don't believe for a second there isn't something out there to suit everyone.
I have a long way to go with making my lifestyle completely healthy and still I have a lot of goals to reach with my fitness, but maybe this will spark a thought in your head and encourage you to get up and get moving. If you wait around for tomorrow its never going to come so if there is something you want to change about your lifestyle and the way you are living then today is the day to do it.
