People ask me, “Marshall, how do I get started exercising?” I usually break into the song from the Rankin/Bass classic Christmas special Santa Claus is Coming to Town:
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking cross the floor
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking out the doorYou never will get where you’re going
If you never get up on your feet
Come on, there’s a good tail wind blowing
A fast walking man is hard to beat
Seriously, that’s not far off. Check with your doctor to make sure you’re able to exercise safely. And get going. If you want to be a runner, walk first and then walk/run. Join a class (the accountability is awesome). Do what you love to do. You like to bike? Then bike. Walk with a friend. Run with a friend. Have a pool at your disposal? Swim. There’s no better exercise. The point is: Take action. I was motivated by my failing health and expanded waistline. I did Fit4Change with Paul Lacoste (watch Mississippi Public Broadcasting tonight at 7:30 see a documentary on the program) and lost over 40 lbs.
Gradually increase your activity level. Your body is very resilient and will adjust to your workout. You have to keep stressing yourself and then resting. And remember to have a little patience. I know it takes me about four weeks after I start a program to see a body change.
You can do it. I know you can. I did. And I was rotten shape. Just get out there and be the Nike commercial. Just do it.
I ran 5.1 sweaty miles this morning. It was a solid run.
Oh I struggled this morning! Wrong shoes, Pandora wouldn’t work. Runkeeper wasn’t accurate (I chose a shady trail because I got started late), humidity was making it hard to breathe, I was a mess, mentally and physically. However, those 65 lbs aren’t going back on. I read all your posts, thanks for the inspiration. Our family prays for yours often!
Thank you for this. I read your blog and think the same thing. How do I get started? Leave it to the kids to provide the best answer. Thanks!