Exercise magic

Natural Health, Nov, 2007 by Mary Bolster

LAST MONTH, in an attempt to jumpstart a healthier routine, I went to see a natural-medicine practitioner. In the weeks preceding the appointment, I heaped all kinds of magical properties on this doctor. I was convinced he would wave a wand or prescribe a potion to dissolve my anxieties, my creeping weight gain, my stress, and my lethargy. When he instead told me I needed to sleep and exercise more and eat better, I was thoroughly disappointed. What? No major overhaul of my diet? No fitness plan? No yeast cleanse? No exotic herbs? Nope, he said--just plain old common sense and clean living. I trudged out of his office, my heart as heavy as my body.

On reflection, I had to admit that what I was really looking for was a magician, not a doctor. A doctor would tell me only what I already knew. A magician could give me a new life, preferably one with healthier habits, a thinner midsection, and no stress. Sadly, that wasn't going to happen. My life was going to change only if I took charge. So, where should I start? I thought back to what makes me happy, and the thing that kept recurring was exercise. I used to exercise for fitness or competition, but now I realize how great it makes me feel even when I'm slow and unfit. Then I re-read "Scaling Down" on page 55, "Get Energized!" on page 64, and "Fit for Life" on page 82, and guess what I discovered? Exercise, it seems, can solve almost any problem: It can help you lose weight, stay energized, and ease trauma and illness. The magic I seek isn't in a doctor's office or in a pill. It's in the pool, on a yoga mat, or at the loop around the park. I hope these stories will inspire you to find the magic in your favorite activity.

MARY BOLSTER

EDITOR IN CHIEF

editorinchief@naturalhealthmag.com

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