Fitness It's All in The Attitude

Being fit is first and foremost a state of mind; if your brain is saying; "hey kick back, get some chips and watch that movie', you are going to do that rather than going jogging, especially if the brain says "what me run are you nuts?"

I do not run or jog but I do walk and I walk daily. All walking requires is a good pair of walking shoes, which you also wear as casual foot wear and comfortable seasonally appropriate clothes.

I have Type II diabetes and exercise is an important part of my maintenance plan. I also do stretching exercises in the morning just after I wake up and while the kettle is boiling.

I do not have to invest any money is fancy gear or clothes to do this, I do not even need shoes.

You see I am not aiming for buns of steel, or working on my abs or anything like that. I am simply burning off some calories and keeping the heat pumping. I work up a bit of a sweat, of course I can also do that with a good hot sauce or some hot peppers and all I am lifting is a fork.

You see my mind wants me to be fit and healthy as it is enjoying being alive and taking part in the world so it encourages me to do the stretches, go for the walks and invest in good shoes so my feet don't hurt.

Walking is a sensual experience you feel the wind, the sun and rain; smell the smells, both the roses and those that are much less pleasant but real all the same.

Being fit means being able to experience life not to run until you can run no more; that is fine for those who enjoy it but not necessary to be fit.

If you want to pump iron, have a ball but again it is not necessary to be fit.

I define fitness as a balance between mind and body and a life that takes you outdoors whether it be to an afternoon spent gardening or simply for a walk in the park.