(1/2022) Cold winter days sometimes make it hard to continue your exercise workout routine. Because it gets dark so early during the winter it seems to be harder to get as much activity as we do during the summer. Just because it is dark outside by the time we are finished eating dinner doesn't mean we should sit on the couch and watch TV. Taking an after dinner walk is even more important in the winter because we don't have the yard work or other outside activities that are keeping us moving in the warm summer months.

Finding an exercise class or some other organized group that will motivate you to keep active during the winter is a good way to keep moving until the summer work and activities start again. Having that scheduled appointment time will help you stay on a routine because it is very easy to say "I'll go next week" and skip the exercise. Joining a group activity is also a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Being social is important for our emotional health as well as physical health. Seclusion and loneliness contributes to depression and physical decline in our health.

While being with others is important, sometimes due to the weather or other things you cannot get out but it is still very important to keep moving. Exercise not only keeps your body in good shape, it also keeps your mind healthy. Having a sedentary lifestyle ages the body and mind. Exercise has been proven to help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, weight and improve joint pain and many other ailments that come with age.

Exercise is not only for older people. In today's world of technology, far too many kids and young adults lead a sedentary lifestyle and it is showing up in the health of younger and younger people. Some schools are having less time for gym class and recess and that means more time sitting at a desk. Everyone needs to have some type of exercise each day. Walking is a great way to burn some calories and lower stress.

I know I have said all of this before but I really feel it is important to say it again. It is easy to put off the things we don't like and let's face it, exercise is not on the top of most people's list. Believe it or not, if you put it on the list and commit to doing a little each day I think you will see how it makes you feel better. Sticking to a good habit takes about six weeks to instill in our routine.

Once you add a little exercise each day I hope you will keep adding a few more minutes every week and you will see the improvement and importance it makes in how you feel. Take things day by day and in a short while you will feel better and look forward to your exercise routine. It is also very important to include your children and other family members. This will provide you with quality time and keep you closer to your family and friends. Healthy relations also keep our physical, mental and emotional health in good condition.

Start slow and work up to the exercise that challenges you. The most important thing is to start. The rest will fall into place as you see the improvement in all areas of your life. Keep trying activities until you find one that you enjoy and you know you will stick with. Don't give up after one or two activities. Something will challenge you and you will have fun along with improving your health.

Remember to Keep Moving, You'll Be Glad You Did!!