Move more

Losing weight, at the most simplistic level, comes from two things:  eating less and moving more.  Of the two, eating less is more effective for weight loss, but moving more has its own benefits.  Here are five:

1.     Body shape.  Thin is nice, but thin and shapely is better.  Muscle tone comes from working the body.  We all admire the curves of a ballerina’s deltoids, biceps, and triceps.  She gets those curves by working!  Please note:  ballerinas work very hard and do not get bulky.  Muscle shape does not mean enormous body-builder inflation.

2.     Mood.  Humans are happier when they are active.  We get emotional boosts from cardio.

3.     Empowerment.  When we get stronger, we become more independent.  We can open our own jars!  We can move our own furniture!  We can rescue gentlemen in distress!

4.     Food.  As muscle mass increases in our bodies, so does our base metabolism.  When we are done losing weight, this translates to the ability to eat the occasional cookie without gaining because our bodies burn more calories even just sitting around.

5.     Community.  When we work out with others, we bond.  Maybe the bonding is as basic as a common hatred for lunges, but that can be the foundation of a lifelong friendship.  Walking with a friend or going on a bike ride can enable deep conversation.  We can encourage each other to grow (or just to survive the workout.)

Let’s get going!