It sounded exciting and unique to join co–workers at CIGNA in showing others how all different people at all different stages of life can enjoy this type of exercise. I am passionate about healthy choices and speaking about the benefits of Health Awareness and people taking responsibility for their health. Challenging myself to achieve new levels of fitness is also something I always wanted to do.
Reasons for adopting an active lifestyle
My story goes back a long way but relates to the many children/teens who are headed toward obesity today. In my teens I started to add pounds fast when I stopped "playing outside" and was just watching TV or listening to music with friends and eating junk food. I started to try fasting diets but that led to swings from fasting to overeating. At age 17 I decided I needed to do something drastically different so I started regular strenuous daily exercise -swimming laps, running or biking and cutting out some of the junk/high calorie foods. I became hooked on exercise– it made me feel great and it worked– I dropped the weight without really dieting. I credit my healthy diet and exercise to be the reason I am rarely sick and for my positive and calm approach to day to day work/life challenges.
Why a healthy lifestyle is important
Many of us take life and our health for granted - but in reality this is the most important of all. My health will help me continue to be successful in my career but most of all my health is important to me because I love my husband and my 2 daughters and I don't want to miss anything - vacations, college graduations, family reunions, weddings, grandchildren, retirement - I want it all!
One piece of advice to help others live a healthier life
Fad diets /quick fixes never last so don't waste the time on them.
It is never too late to start new healthy choices and action. "What's in it for me?" –Words cannot express to you how great you will feel - it is something you have to do on your own and add to your life experiences.
