I really enjoyed this article. It reminds us that we live once. Fitness and health is a way of life. Habits that maybe at times seem tough, but in the end create an amazing quality of life, allowing us to enjoy life to the fullest.
Jack Lalanne was a perfect example of this. His lifestyle might be seen as "impossible" for some, but that's simply because it's not a habit for you yet. He created these habits of eating healthy and staying active, and in turn he lived a high-energy life to the age of 96. I don't know of anyone who wouldn't want to make it that long in life!
In addition, Jack's life proves he's human. Us Fitness Professionals may be seen as "not human" at times, because of our passion for healthy lifestyles, but we ARE human. We love to enjoy a glass of wine or pint of beer every so often, we're not chocolate resistant by any means or never "cheat" and have a scoop of ice cream. The difference is (like Jack Lalanne), we don't do it all the time, and we can get back into our daily healthy habits right away.
It's a simple life plan: Enjoy what you enjoy, but in moderation. Keep yourself full of energy and full of life!
Jack was an iconic figure who introduced the concept of fitness and healthy living to the masses long before food pyramids existed. His movement had a greater impact on American health than most people realize. Everything Jack accomplished in his life -- becoming a successful entrepreneur, a motivational speaker, television personality and author, always embodied his core beliefs of eating right and exercising. He practiced what he preached -- exercising like a fiend and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. But to assume he lived a Spartan lifestyle would be a mischaracterization.
Jack understood that good living did not mean prescribing to "food policing." While his diet was as exemplary as they come -- it kept him healthy for nearly a century while he also enjoyed the occasional dessert, glass of wine and plate of pasta -- all foods and drinks that too often fall into the "diet of the moment" or the list of "things you shouldn't consume category."
The clipping below is simply the title from an article I read in the Globe & Mail this morning. Are we really so under-educated, and sedentary that we have to keep being reminded about this?
It's a simple equation:
Healthy eating habits + daily physical activity = Longevity & Quality of life.
Educate yourself, and take care of yourself. Why do we choose not to?
Want to live longer? Eat healthier
A few words come to mind when I read information like this; ridiculous, unbelievable, "what the heck are we thinking!?".
You live once - Make it a quality life and a long, happy life. Don't be one of these statistics.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation's 2011 Annual Report on Canadians' Health warns that nine out of 10 Canadians are jeopardizing the quality and length of their lives. The Foundation found that many Canadians are in denial about their risk factors for heart disease such as being overweight and being physically inactive – risk factors they can manage and control.
Each year, about 250,000 potential years of life are lost in Canada due to cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and other chronic heart-related conditions.
I've personally practiced yoga for a couple years and love it. I admit, I'm not a daily yogi (as much as I'd like to be); however, I do add it into my regular training routine.
To me, there are two HUGE benefits; Increasing overall flexibility and body awareness. I find that if I feel tighter than usual, doing a couple yoga sessions really resets my muscles to where they should be.
In regards to body awareness, the focus on your breath and how your body feels really adds to your regular fitness routine. Knowing and understanding your body inside and out is key to reaching your goals.
There are many different types of yoga but to the “newbie,” it can seem a little intimidating. My advice: don’t be shy, give a try.
