For as long as I can remember I have been into health and fitness. Coming from an athletic family and always having been involved in some type of competitive sports, it was necessary! Sure I juice, eat vegetables, exercise, blah blah blah, even gave up fast food, and do all of the disciplined things a personal trainer loves to hear. However, I am also a known pill popper– well, “taker of dietary supplements”. I tell people all the time that I know how to stay in shape, even to a fault (hence the pill popping).
You may still be in a slight state of shock from the pills (dietary supplements) but let’s get back to what I know works. Good eating along with a nice exercise program will help you not pass out when running behind your kids AND shed the weight you gained over the holidays. Me personally, I don’t really do it for the look, but more for how I feel after working a wedding or special event. When I was employed downtown, I ran 3 miles daily along the Lake. Once I stopped going downtown, some of my neighbors and I found solace in chatting while walking up to 6 miles every day. In addition to enjoying nature, I also find fun in the Wii Fitness and Zumba as well as Yoga. The resources are endless so it’s really simply a matter of being determined.
We all live very busy lifestyles but it amazes me that we find no time to exercise but we can find time to eat 
A few years ago I was diagnosed with Diverticulitis and I never want to experience that type of pain again from bad eating habits. During the month of December I participated in a SQUAT CHALLENGE! What the what??? Exactly my sentiments – who, or better yet WHY would one do a squat challenge?! During this 1 month challenge, the goal was to work up the stamina to be able to do 100 squats (at a time) within the 31 days. Throughout the month, we were given a break here and there to rest our muscles. I am glad to say that even with a few additional “I can’t do this” days off, I was able to do 100 squats on December 31st.
Here is a little info on “the squat” for those of you that are scared of it… Mostly known as a leg exercise, SQUATS promote body-wide muscle building and promotes mobility and balance. Did you know that squats also help you to burn more fat and can actually help you improve both your upper and lower body strength?
Who needs squats? We as women need squats! You may have the baddest body in your sub-division but time (and age) has a way of bringing things down. LOL! KNOW THIS: “Few exercises work as many muscles as the squat, so it’s an excellent multi-purpose activity useful for toning and tightening your behind, abs, and, of course, your legs. Furthermore, squats build your muscles, and these muscles participate in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity, helping to protect you against obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease”
Unsure how to do them? Be sure to warm up and stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Watch your back ladies, and keep it in a neutral position with your knees centered over your heels. Go slowly and lower yourself until your knees are at a 90-degree angle. BAM, you’re done!
Before I do my squats for the day and get moving (pun intended) let me tell you that squats improve the pumping of body fluids, aiding in removal of waste and delivery of nutrition to all tissues, including organs and glands.
There you have it - all the reasons to squat! If you missed out in December, feel free to start on your own; your back side will thank you.
“Love & Laughter – Simply Shay”
