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Thanks, Tyra!

By Janis Roszler, RD, CDE, LD/N

I’m a reality television junkie. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but it’s true. I watch episodes of Top Chef, Project Runway, Real Housewives of New York City, Dancing with the Stars, Tyra Bank’s America’s Next Top Model, and many others. How do I get anything done if I’m glued to the idiot box for so many hours? I use them as my entertainment while I work out. I record them when they are first broadcast then view them so I don’t become bored while walking on my treadmill - I’ve turned a guilty pleasure into a real positive.

For most of us, a daily (or almost daily) work out is sheer torture. We struggle to fit in the 30 minutes of activity most experts recommend, which is a shame because the benefits are so worthwhile:

• Physical activity increases the body’s insulin sensitivity, which improve diabetes control.
• It helps you reach your weight loss goal and maintain it once you achieve it.
• It reduces the risk of several types of cancer, including post-menopausal breast cancer and colon cancer.
• It lowers the risk of heart disease.
• It releases mood-enhancing endorphins that reduce feelings of depression.
• It relieves stress.
• It improves the quality of sleep.

If you aren’t a reality show fan, you can still find ways to enhance the enjoyment of your physical activity.

Jane hated to exercise. She couldn’t think of anything less appealing to do during the day. With that attitude, she found it easy to make excuse after excuse until it was too late to do any activity. One day, Jane’s friend Rachel invited her to a salsa dance class. The music was hot and the moves were fun! Jane didn’t want the class to end. She had finally discovered one of the keys to staying active – do something you enjoy. She now dances several evenings a week. To improve her dancing stamina, on non-dance days, Jane walks briskly through her neighborhood after work while listening to salsa music on her ipod. She is hooked and her body loves her for it!

Here are several things you can do to jump start your workout:

• Search for an activity you enjoy. Try different classes at your local community center or health club. Most offer dance, yoga, Tai Chi, tennis, and other great options.
• Find a workout partner and set a regular time to participate in your activity.
• Break your workout into easy segments that add up to a total of 30 minutes. You will still get a great deal of benefit.
• Make an appointment with yourself. Would you ever miss a meeting with a client or physician? Probably not. Your daily activity is equally important, so schedule your workout by fixing an appointment with yourself on your daily calendar. Let family and friends know that this time is sacred.
• Choose an alternative activity to do if the weather forces you to stay at home.

Enjoy!
Janis

www.DearJanis.com

NOTE: The information is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.