Good health is not a destination.   Even the most healthy, vibrant people I know do not feel that they have "arrived" anywhere.  Rather they continue on their journey, trying new things, adding in new foods, cooking with herbs or using essential oils. When you start to see the effects of taking care of yourself .. it becomes fun to keep learning, experimenting .. and realizing the benefits of new discoveries.

My best discovery this year ..had to do with my fitness routine.  I discovered that knowing the BEST TIME to exercise can make all the difference in how it effects your body .. and how much you enjoy it (and will therefore stick with it).

I have always loved hiking but found it hard to fit in a long enough hike during the week.  UNTIL ... I decided to try getting up an hour before the rest of the family to head out on my own.

What I found was amazing. After a 45 minute hike, I not only felt great physically .. but mentally and emotionally too.  And.. it lasted!  Throughout the day I found I was more calm, even tempered, rational and ENERGETIC as long as I had that morning hike.

Yesterday I did an experiment and "slept in". It was actually HARD for me since I had grown to  look forward to that hike, the peace .. the workout.. all of it.
And ... the back lash was definitely noticeable. I ended up with a headache, stiff neck and a much more irritable temperament for the rest of the day.  Coincidence? Maybe - but more than likely not!

You may be thinking that it would be impossible for you to get up and exercise early in the morning .. and that may be true.  But I encourage you to TEST out different times and different types of movement (tai chi, yoga, walking, karate, hiking, biking, swimming, dancing..) until you find the one that you look forward to at the time that feels "right" for you.

For years I worked out at gyms after work .. and had to drag myself there.  Now I understand why it was so challenging. 

If your fitness routine (or lack thereof) is a challenge you are facing .. look at it more like a science experiment than a test of will power.  For a few suggestions on the best exercises for you to try and the best time of day (based on your blood type), check out Dr. James D'Adamo's book "Just An Ounce of Prevention".  It was right on for me!

Kelly