One of the things we’ve noticed in our own life is that we haven’t been facing life head-on. We’ve been avoiding some things. Like the ten pounds that have crept on over the last year. Or the fact that we’d rather read a good book than go to the gym. Or that dessert is showing up more frequently after dinner.

That these things are happening simultaneously is not coincidental.

It’s time to stop running from the truth about our health habits. It’s time to make some changes, starting with our perspective – and that will direct the other changes that need to happen.

One of the things we’re looking forward to in making these changes is the September class here at Marilu.com. Twenty-one days of accountability will help us focus, but it won’t be all drudgery – Coach Evi has some fun things planned for our (virtual) European semester! If you’re looking for some assistance with your own new perspective, become a member and take the class. There will be plenty of recipes and lots of encouragement as we all help each other stay focused, and stop running.

Now, get moving. Because running (or walking) for exercise is something we aren’t going to stop.

When I Stop Running from TFDI
available on iTunes and Amazon.com

Coach Robbie has been emphasizing daily walks as a health habit that crosses all cultures.

Getting outside in the fresh air is good, especially for all of us who work in environments where air quality (and temperature and humidity) are controlled.

While you’re outside, take a few minutes to play. Toss a frisbee, bounce a ball, shake a hula hoop, run around, skip to the corner, play a game of tag. Enjoy the air and the space and the free moments you’re creating.

Katrina and the Waves always make us want to stand up and move. Get moving now, and take a walk as soon as you can.

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We’re here because we want a better life, a longer life, a healthier life – a life of adventure and excitement and living our dreams. The better we feel in our bodies, the less disease and illness impacts our daily lives, the more we’re going to enjoy life.

But most of us are going to have to get over some things to get there.

What’s holding you back from living your dream?
What can you do about it?

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If one of the things you have to get over is the idea that fitness is too much effort, or too much time, or too much money… well, get up and move. March in place, or dance, or do some squats or jumping jacks.

Holy cow, it’s been hot this summer!

When it’s hot, be sure to increase your water intake, and eat plenty of wet foods. If you don’t feel like cooking, you still need to be eating. There are plenty of good hot-weather meal choices, from cool soups to wraps to grilled foods (use that outdoor grill) to main-dish salads.

You can still exercise, but you may want to do it in the comfort of your air-conditioned home or gym. You may want to break up your exercise sessions into several 10-minute sessions, so you don’t get overheated. Be aware of heat index warnings, and don’t work out outside unless you’re conditioned for the weather. Remember that heat + humidity = thunderstorms, and be prepared for severe weather if you’re going to be outside.

Now get up and dance!

Walking is the easiest, cheapest exercise there is – and you can do it anytime, anywhere (almost). There’s almost no excuse not to walk.

We had a member who was physically challenged, and walking for her was very difficult. Rosemary wears leg braces and uses crutches. But she was determined to improve her health, so she started out walking to the end of her driveway and back for her exercise. She worked up to walking to the end of the block and back. She also used a mini-trampoline, and started going to the gym to lift weights. Rosemary became a recognized role model at her gym, because she was dedicated to her workout. She made great gains in her health and fitness with exercise and following Marilu’s Total Health Makeover® eating plan. You can, too.

Be sure to do both cardio (movement that gets your heart rate up) and strength (weights & resistance) training every week. You can do them on alternate days or do some of both every day.

And if you need some walking music, here’s a song to try * Walk by the Foo Fighters.
Get up and DO IT.

You know the answer to this question.

You’re the only one who can make your dreams come true. It’s easy – and sometimes even fun – to put that responsibility on someone (or something) else, but you know in your heart that it’s up to you.

So whatever your dreams, take action to make them happen.

Do something today to make your dream a reality. If your dream is a hot bod, then get up from your computer and commit to some exercise. If your dream is a long life, then make choices to improve your health, no matter your age. If your dream is a smaller dress size, then check your portion sizes and take the stairs. We know it’s not always that simple, but you have to start somewhere.

While you think about your plan for today, get up and dance to this classic Hall & Oates song. We chose it because Marilu heard them in concert last night at the Hollywood Bowl – and it was played at a wedding we attended this weekend.

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You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July

Baby you’re a firework
Come on let your colors burst
Make ‘em go “Oh, oh, oh!”
You’re gonna leave ‘em fallin’ down-own-own

Never sell yourself short. YOU are as beautiful and special and breathtaking and awe-inspiring as a firework. Take a few minutes today to think about or write about all the good you bring to the world.

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This version of the song Firework is performed by the college a capella groups Ithacapella and Premium Blend. Buy the song here to benefit The Trevor Project.

Turn off this song
Find someone to love
Turn off this song
You can listen to it later
Go outside

It’s not often we run across lyrics that say exactly what we’d like to say.

Don’t put off exercise.
Don’t put off going outside and enjoying the day.
Don’t put off spending time with people you love.

However you spend your day, you have a break at some point. Take a walk, even if it’s around the parking lot or the block. Invite a friend to dinner on your porch or patio or deck, or on a blanket in your yard or on your balcony or at a nearby park.

While you’re outside, be sure to raise your heartrate with some movement. You’ll go back to whatever you were doing refreshed and energized.

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This may never start.
We could fall apart.
And I’d be your memory.
Lost your sense of fear.
Feelings insincere.
Can I be your memory?

It’s the weekend – get up and dust!

What? Are we the only ones who use music to get us through the weekend’s chores? Music provides the motivation and inspiration to keep moving, whether it’s during your walk or run, or during the dusting and laundry.

And this song might make you think about the memories you’re creating today, this week, this month.

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You wanna make a memory? You wanna steal a piece of time?

Not every memory is about love, but maybe the ones that stick with us (if we don’t have Marilu’s memory) are the ones that include the people we love. Who is part of your memories? Who do you want to make memories with?

Move while you listen, mkay? Up out of your chair! You can walk in place while you think about your memories.

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