(8/2023) We all know exercise is good for our health, joints, balance and body in general. I was pleased to hear from two of my clients that they felt lifting has improved their golf game. Core strength and upper body strength is important for many sports and golf is included. Increasing your upper body flexibility along with more power behind your swing is helpful when driving the long distance shots.

Endurance is another important part of playing any sport. Being able to walk, swing a golf club, run, or whatever the particular sport you enjoy is helpful not only with completing the game or course but is also beneficial for your heart, lungs and overall body. Being able to be as strong at the end as you are when you start gives you a feeling of strength and accomplishment.

Lifting weights may seem important for body builders and competitive weight competitions but it is just as important for any sports you choose to participate in. Anyone interested in baseball, basketball, track, tennis, swimming, archery and hunting or any activity can benefit from lifting weights, stretching, cardio and just moving. Any activity you choose can become your exercise routine. Finding what you will enjoy will keep you on track and make you want to continue.

You may have to try several different exercises till you find the one that is right for you. I have a client that told me when she started that she wasn't into exercise and didn't think lifting weights would be her thing. She has been with me for 23 years, so I guess she changed her mind. Finding the right exercise for you is only part of the equation. Finding the right place and people that you enjoy working with is another very big part of sticking with your routine.

I was so glad when a client told me how she felt about her improved golf game that I wanted to share it with you. Discovering that something you do has been improved by finding and continuing a routine that is also beneficial to your health is satisfying. It makes you feel like you are doing all you can to stay healthy and have fun at the same time.

So many people have become sedentary because of working at a computer, playing video games and being on our phones that they don't realize it may be harming their health. I'm not saying give up all that, I'm just saying include exercise and movement in your day as well. Maybe you can find a way to include your phone or other devices in your exercise. My grandchildren like to search for Pokemon. If that is something you enjoy you could meet some friends and go on a walking adventure to search for them. Challenging your friends to see who can find the best ones and also see who can get the most steps while searching. Anything you can do to incorporate movement, exercise and fun into your daily routine is great.

I hope sharing these ideas and my clients discovery of her golf game will give you some inspiration to see what you can come up with to include exercise in your daily duties. So many people tell me how much better they feel after their workout, even when they didn't really feel like doing it that day. Setting our mind to faithfully exercising each day is the biggest part of developing a healthy daily routine. After you start you enjoy it and you know how good you will feel when you're finished.

Remember, keep moving, you'll be glad you did. Enjoy your summer!!