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Exercise! Do something! I can’t tell you how life-changing exercise and fitness is for me…but I’ll try!

So this morning I woke up, had some coffee and some breakfast, and then worked for 3 hours or so until I felt it was time to get in some physical activity. Since I’m in Florida at the moment I really am enjoying taking advantage of working out in the sun. It feels so good and I love that the sun aids in improving my circulation in my feet and my entire body. Definitely something that you guys out there can relate with.

I pulled out my yoga mat and placed it along side the pool in my friend’s back yard. I started with some flexibility work and begin moving around in place to warm up my body. After I felt good and warm I made sure that I could see my reflection on the outside sliding glass door. This way I could practice my Muay Thai and shadowbox at a very intense pace and also work on form. After 15 minutes of fighting my reflection, my body felt ready for some resistance training. I got down in the push-up position and held the pose, squeezing and flexing my core. The sweat was pouring out by now and my heart rate was at full tilt. I went from this position right to my back to begin various styles of sit-ups. After feeling a good burn in my abdominals I assumed the lunge position and begin working on my legs.

If you’re reading this and your looking for a killer workout to do, then I would recommend trying some of the above stuff that I mentioned. Focus on keeping your heart rate up and “mixing it up”. What I mean by mixing it up is just stay active from start to finish. By doing resistance training exercises and mixing it in with your cardio you’re gaining cardiovascular health while strengthening your muscles at the same time (but separating cardio and weights is also good too!).

For example: Start with a warm up (good walk, run, or any other preferred cardio method). This is the time when you also want to stretch out and warm up any muscle groups that you plan on focusing on. After a good 15- 20 minute warm up then you can start in on your weight or resistance training. Personally, since I am not currently a member of a gym (but I do have a couple of dumbbells) I am keeping it real simple and basic. I usually (when I work out with dumbbells) do push-ups, curls, triceps, lunges and squats, abs…basically just a full-body blast a couple times a week. Or, if I want to work out outside, I usually go to a park or something where I can get my pull-ups in, handstands, and things like hanging abdominal raises. Being outside in a quiet place also allows you the freedom to trying mediation as well as ample space to move around!

One of the keys to doing this type of exercise routine (as with all routines) is that you allow your body at least a day or two of rest before repeating the cycle.

I am also a HUGE advocate of moving meditation and things like thi-chi and yoga. I find that adding in the spiritual and mental side of fitness is absolutely imperative to my overall health as a person with diabetes. This, “fitness of the mind” type of stuff keeps me stronger and more focused on what I need to do when having difficult times with my diabetes.

Stay strong, use good form, listen to YOUR body, don’t over do it, practice your mental fitness, and keep those sugars in optimal range for YOU! Don't forget to have to glucose near by :)

Holler if you have any questions or if you want to share your workout ideas with the rest of the dlife community.

-Andy