A few months ago I thought I might be getting MS or something worse. My balance was off. I tripped more than I should have.  I  felt physically older than I thought I should. My shoulder and arms hurt. My legs and feet hurt enough to keep me awake at night. I decided to see a neurologist.

The neurologist ran all kinds of tests. Like so many tests run before, everything came back “normal.” I didn’t get it. Something was wrong. He said it might be age-related, or I might have fibromyalgia. He gave me resistance bands, said a few words about the benefit of exercise, and sent me on my way.

Next step, a chiropractor. He did x-rays, and said “you’ve been around the block! Your neck is a mess.” He did some treatments, including acupuncture. I felt better for awhile, but symptoms eventually returned. He, too, mentioned the benefit of exercise.

In addition, my husband and I worried about rising blood sugar levels. He found an excellent book by Dr. Ray D. Strand, titled, Healthy for Life. In the book, Dr. Strand explains how to protect health and lower blood-sugar levels with diet and, you guessed it, exercise.

I started thinking.  The neurologist gave me resistance bands. The chiropractor said there’s no treatment better than exercise. Dr. Strand said the same thing. It finally sunk in. If Mike and I want good health and  a vibrant old age, we’d better get moving!

“We See Big Improvements!”

We joined the YMCA three months ago. We lift weights and do cardio workouts. The benefits of exercise are already apparent. I’m no longer having balance problems, my shoulder is way better, my legs and feet no longer hurt at night, and we both have better blood sugar levels. We’ve each lost almost 10 lbs, look better everyday, and enjoy increased libido. Wa-la! What’s not to love about exercise?

I realize now that I was losing muscle tone and strength at an alarming rate. I hate to think where I’d be in 5 or 10 years without exercise. Last night, I asked my husband if he thought we’d still be exercising in a year. He said, “It’s a lifestyle change. We don’t have a choice anymore.”

We go to the gym a minimum of 3 evenings a week. It’s not like we’re always gung-ho, but we don’t let negative feelings stop us. Exercising never disappoints. Its benefits leave us feeling strong and victorious. On our way home, the hubs gives me a high 5 and says, “We did it! I’m proud of us!”

The benefits of exercise make the work of exercising so worth it. I can hardly wait to get back to the gym and  suffer through more arm curls and leg extensions. Aren’t they the worst– and the best?

©2011 BLN

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