News Taffy

Due to unforeseen circumstances, my husband and I were unable to have our fitness tests this past week. However, I would like to discuss fitness and exercise today. You already know you need to exercise. Without exercise, your body simply won’t work as well as it should and you will be likely to struggle with excess weight. People who exercise have less trouble with dementia, depression, blood pressure, cholesterol, arthritis, stress, and sleep problems while enjoying better energy levels and better sex! I think all that should be motivation enough.

So what do the cardiologist and his wife do for exercise? I mentioned Latin dance last week. We joined a class last year and have had a blast learning cha cha, salsa, merangue and tango. We laugh and have fun with a group of friends twice a week so it’s a great social time as well. My partner, Brandy Lloyd, and I perform salsa at the Wanna Dance? fundraiser last year (SEE PHOTO). In addition, we swim several times a week in the summers and our dog Molly takes us for walks. I also have a weight/yoga routine I try to get in three times a week. My husband is currently off his weight routine but hopes to return soon. My life long passion is horses and I try to ride 3 or 4 times a week. As you see, we find many ways to fit in exercise and have fun at the same time.

I hope you see that exercise can and should be fun. You don’t have to go to the gym for a spin class if you don’t like cycling or bulk up with weights. Pick something fun and you will be more likely to stick with it, even if you are sweating. If money is a problem, take up walking or buy an exercise DVD to use at home. Whatever you do, ease into it if you are seriously out of shape or see your doctor. If you go at it too hard at first and make yourself miserably sore or worse, injure yourself, you won’t stick with it. Aim for 10 minutes three times a week for the first couple of weeks and build up. Better yet, pair up with a spouse or good friend to help each other stay on track.

I want to be in the game of life; not watching on the sidelines. When I’m 70 or 80, I still hope to be active and doing the things I love and exercise will get me there. It will get you there too.

Until next week,
Lisa