To exercise or not to exercise . . .
This should be an easy decision for a diabetic. Study after study has shown that adopting an exercise regimen will go a long way in stabilizing blood sugar levels and prevent diabetic complications. It is even possible to stop taking insulin all-together along with any other prescribed medications you may be on.
Wouldn’t it be great not to have to shoot up every day or pop pills for complications you may be experiencing?
I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to begin an exercise regimen if you are diabetic or pre-diabetic. It seems that with diabetics the old adage comes into play where ‘the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak’. A great video which highlights the benefits of an exercise program for diabetics can be found here:
Most people with this disease know the value of physical activity but are just not motivated enough to get started. Or if they start it will only last for a short time. They may exercise at home for a little while but get bored or discouraged. They are intimidated by fitness clubs; the cost of some club memberships can be exorbitant; or they don’t see results quickly enough and end up right back to sitting on the couch at home. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Finding a place to exercise
There are several ways around this. For example you might consider joining a health facility where you can get one-on-one training or find a place where there are like-minded people as your-self. As mentioned earlier, however, cost can be a turn-off.
Alternatively, you can find outdoor parks where you can walk, run or cycle without anyone passing judgment on you. (For those who live in extreme temperature zones i.e. very hot or very cold climate, always remember to dress appropriately). Parks generally are free to use in the local communities and there is always one nearby. Sometimes the local high school will allow you to use their facilities at no cost.
I recently moved into a little town about thirty miles outside of Orlando, Florida. As a fitness junkie, finding a good, free or low-cost place to exercise is important to me. So I inquired at the local library as to where I could find the nearest public recreation center. It just so happened that there were two not far from where I live. They both have Olympic size swimming pools and one even has an area where I can use free weights in addition to other activities. The great thing is that both are free to join and are open to the public at very convenient times.
You can also check with your local Chamber of Commerce or even ask someone at your place of worship. I have been in this town for two and a half months now and I know the location of every school in the neighborhood and every park where I can have a good run. I am always on the look-out for a new place to exercise when I go out.
As I mentioned, I live in a small town. For those living in larger towns or cities there has to be a community rec center nearby.
Make the commitment
I am not a believer in New Year resolutions. I do, however believe in making commitments to improving my life, whether it’s the first of the year or the middle of June. Pick a date in the near future (tomorrow would be a good date) and commit yourself to start an exercise program. Tell your friends and family what your intentions are. Those who truly love you will be happy for you. Who knows, maybe when they see how good you look and feel after a few weeks they might want to join you.
I encourage you to make the commitment today to start on the road to overcoming your diabetes naturally. Lower blood glucose levels can be achieved holistically if you will only give fitness a chance.
To a healthier you,
Owen Lecky
