Have you ever gotten high on exercise?

Tufts University Robin Kanarek, PhD, lead author in a study published in Behavioral Nueroscience, found that “intense exercise triggers release of neurotransmitters in the same way many addictive drugs do, resulting in a similar, albeit natural, chemical high.”

The reason I found this statement so interesting (and worth blogging about) is not because I agree that too many people are addicted to exercise, but because not enough people are willing to exercise!

I believe that one of the main reasons so many people have an aversion to exercise is because they don't focus on the benefits of it. This same study admits that…

Physical activity facilitates weight control, improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, promotes neuroplasticity, decreases anxiety, offsets depression, and elevates mood (Brene et al., 2006; Churchill et al., 2002; Greenwood & Fleshner, 2008; Paluska & Schwenk, 2000; Smits et al., 2008; Teychenne,
Ball, & Salmon, 2008).

If you want to feel better, look better, and think better thoughts, I encourage you to change the way you feel, look and think about exercise especially at this time of year. In fact, the following challenge, could keep you from gaining up to ten pounds in the next few weeks!

How? Start by taking a fitness walk around the mall every time you visit one this month, and/or park far away from the entrance of a store in which you grocery or gift shop. If you were going to join a gym in January, join NOW rather than waiting and right away, take a few new, funky classes—why not? To give you even more incentive to lose a few pounds (rather than gain a few), research and make low calorie/low fat/low sugar recipes to share at parties (rather than usual high-fat, high calorie fare). Next, be sure to ask a new (or old) exercise buddy to join you THIS WEEK--whether they come to your house and do a DVD workout or meet you at track to walk--just be sure to make an appointment with them. And last but not least, measure your waist and weigh-in on a scale every single week (same day and time) and post the results on your bathroom mirror. The truth will motivate you (and so will your friends)!

If you need to lose weight or inches, I encourage you to make a few, little changes in your eating and exercise routine—especially between now and the New Year—so that you can enjoy the big results!

Remember, a “new you" does not have to wait for the New Year!

Be encouraged,

Becky