Let ‘Exercise Is Medicine’ Jumpstart Your New Lifestyle

As I sit down to write this, I think back on the many emotions I’ve felt on my journey to better health. You see, not too long ago, I received a wake-up call from my doctor. I’ve neglected my physical well-being for years. I knew I was obese, but when my doctor recommended I enroll in the “Exercise is Medicine” program, I felt like I needed to make a change.

At first, I was hesitant. The idea of committing to an exercise program seemed daunting. I work at a desk and live a fairly sedentary lifestyle. Over the years, I’ve tried to lose weight with varying results. At one point I lost 158 pounds, and then promptly gained it back. However, with the encouragement of my doctor, I decided to give it a shot.

So, what exactly is the “Exercise is Medicine” program? According to their website, it’s a global initiative that aims to promote physical activity as a key component of preventative healthcare and as a means to manage various health conditions. The program operates on the belief that exercise is not just about building muscles or losing weight; it’s about improving overall health and well-being.

Upon enrolling in the program, I was pleasantly surprised by the resources available to me. I initially met with a certified training who accessed my current fitness level and then created a personalized exercise plans tailored to me. It gave me the tools and guidance I needed to succeed. The rest would be up to me.

“…emphasis on gradual progress and sustainable lifestyle changes.”

One of the aspects of the program that I found particularly valuable was the emphasis on gradual progress and sustainable lifestyle changes. It didn’t push me past my comfort level or make me so sore that I couldn’t move. The trainer encouraged me to start small and build momentum over time.

It wasn’t always easy. There were days when I struggled to find the motivation to exercise. What kept me going was the realization that I was investing in my health, my family, and having some accountability with the trainer helped too.

After a couple of months in the program, I can honestly say that I’ve experienced significant improvements in my physical health. Not only have I lost weight, I was amazed at the speed my fitness improved. In a week, I was walking twice as far on the treadmill. I was adding speed and incline almost every other day. I was so surprised, I would tell everyone about my improvements.

For anyone who may be considering joining the “Exercise is Medicine” program, my advice is simple: take that first step. It may feel intimidating at first, but trust me when I say that the benefits far outweigh your doubts.

If you’re ready to start your own journey towards better health, I encourage you to visit the official “Exercise is Medicine” website https://exerciseismedicine.org or talk to your doctor. Remember, it’s never too late to make a positive change in your life.