March in October
by Rick Moore
Wow! Did we ever have a blast! Sunday, October 11, was National Coming Out Day as well as the National Equality March on Washington. Nick and I joined 40 other travelers on a bus to DC. It was very emotional, exciting, and hopeful--a party atmosphere. Bonded together by a common cause--equality--we were ready to march and raise our signs and our voices to let Washington know we are here, and march we did. There were miles of people chanting, yelling, and voicing their concerns for equality. We felt empowered.
After the March, the uplifting songs, and the awesome speeches, it was time to return home. It was very, very quiet on the bus. Almost everyone was dog tiredour adrenalin was still pumping, but our bodies were beat. I talked to some of the marchers the next day. Many told me that after getting home they went straight to bed, and although they woke up fully refreshed, they were sore in the leg and hip areas. There was a lot of standing and walking, but the soreness suffered by some of us was surely worth it.
It was good timing that when we returned home, I had an article from WebMD waiting for me on the computer. The topic, Fitness Facts, seemed aimed at our trek in Washington, D.C. It said that exercise will boost brain powerwell, that's a no brainer! Energy levels are increased by exercise, and that leads to an increase of serotonin in the brain that's the high feeling you get.
Exercise can help you cope better with stress. Depression can be kept at bay with a regular exercise program. Less stress on you can translate to less stress on your partner and your kids (if you have any). Ah, yes, feel the stress just melt away.Want to feel energized? Exercise can get you there. Yup, those steps just aren't that difficult to climb anymore. Things don't feel that difficult to lift anymore. Know why? Blame it on the release of endorphins--that energy boost feeling--you get when you exercise. Its a great feeling.
Got 20 minutes? Then you've got time to exercise. Twenty minutes of walking can be very productive. How about riding a bike, a short hike, hey even vacuuming the house is considered good exercise--who knew! We walked in the DC March for 2 hours. Wow!
You can beat disease by exercising. No kidding! Research has proven that exercise can prevent, reduce, or fight heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, and diabetes. For those of us that are older, exercise can help with the aging effects of arthritis. Everyone knows that exercise boosts the immune system so that you bounce back more quickly when an illness strikes.
Surprise! Exercise builds a bigger, better heart. That's right, a stronger heart makes doing tasks easier and less fatiguing. The heart will become more efficient and build up less plaque.
Fact: At rest, muscle burns more calories than body fat. So losing body fat and building more body muscle will pay off. Guess what? You can eat a little more good stuff and not pay the price of serious weight gain. So, body muscle--good; excess body fat--bad!
Want your body to perform better? Then start exercising. Your newly gained muscle will allow you to do tasks and sports easier. Another benefit of regular exercise will be the appearance of muscle definition and toning. Clothes will fit better and youll have a better image of yourself.
So, have I convinced you to start an exercise regiment? You cant deny the benefits. Just think, if you started now you would be ready for the next March!
Rick Moore is a personal trainer certified by the American Fitness Professionals &Associates.