Exercise & Fitness Articles

"I need more energy!" Ashley blurted out. Tyler nodded his head understandably. Ashley had just finished pouring out her frustrations.

Each morning she dragged herself out of bed. Instead of feeling recharged, she felt like she had just finished swimming across the Atlantic ocean. After three cups of coffee to wake her up, she would drive to her job as a secretary.

Still groggy but mildly alert, she spent all morning filing papers, answering the phone, and making appointments. About 1:30 fatigue's ugly claws would sink into her. Her productivity would be cut by 40% as she struggled through the afternoon.

Five o'clock would come and she would head home. Already feeling drained she would fight the evening battle. A quick supper and then off to evening classes. Ashley would try to fight off fatigue as she struggled to listen to the teacher.

Back at home the caffeine would flow from cup to mouth as she pressed to get her school work done. After hitting the pillow, the cycle would repeat itself the next day. Weekends were not much better.

Tyler said, "It sounds like your lack of energy is keeping you from enjoying life, preventing you from doing what you want to in life, and is making you feel depressed and discouraged."

"Yes, that is exactly it", Ashley tiredly replied.

Tyler asked, "Ashley, would you spare an extra 20 minutes a day if you knew it would increase your energy and make you feel great?"

"Of course!" Ashley exclaimed.

Tyler went on. "A year ago I was in a similar situation. I would get home from work tired and not feel like doing anything. Often I would get drowsy in the afternoon."

"However, this has all changed. Now I get home from work and I am usually not tired. I sleep better at night and I am much more productive. I feel like a new person!"

Ashley leaned forward, "What is the secret?"

"There are several different secrets, but let me share the key one. Each morning I get up 20 minutes early and take a brisk walk outside or around my house. This wakes me up and gives me a shot of energy that lasts through the day."

"If I don't get to it in the morning, I walk during lunch break. Sometimes I may feel tired when I get home, so I take another short walk to get my energy flowing."

"That's work", Ashley said disappointedly as she leaned back. "It would cut back on my sleep and I am already tired."

"It is not work or a time waster," Tyler countered. "It is an investment. You are investing a few minutes a day to gain back hours in extra energy. It is a simple choice: 15 hours of lack of energy or 20 minutes of walking and 15 hours of increased energy."

Tyler went on and shared the benefits of walking that studies have discovered. They include:

=Reduced risk of colds, sickness, and the flu.
=Better rest at night.
=Enhance moods.
=Weight loss.
=Reduced risk for many health problems.

Ashley was now more interested and sat upright.

Tyler went on. "I urge you to take the one week challenge. Spend 20 minutes a day for one week walking. Observe the results and then decide if it is worth it."

"OK!" Ashley excitedly replied.

Three weeks later, Tyler bumped into Ashley again. This time she was smiling and she had a spring to her step.

"I can't believe it!" She exclaimed giving him a hug. "I feel better, I have more energy, and I am happier."

"That's great!" Tyler said as Ashley released her hug. "Let's take a walk and I will share some more keys with you."

"Awesome!" Ashley replied as they turned and started to walk down the street.