Start an Exercise Regimen and Stick to It

Exercise, exercise, exercise is all you hear everywhere! Don't despair! It isn't as hard or cumbersome as you think it may be. In fact, it can be so much fun that you will forget that you are exercising.

Exercise to the body is like breathing. In other words, it is as necessary as the air we breathe. The well known cliché "If you don't use it, you will lose it" is well applicable to exercise and our body.

So if you are not already part of an exercise regimen, how do you go about it?

Say No

First of all, you have to say no to the 'excuse demon'. I used to be a person who dreaded exercise and would become dizzy at the very thought of it. And hence, I came to the conclusion that my body is not made for exercise. Sounds familiar?

Yes, our mind is powerful enough to bring up excuses like that which can stall us for a lifetime. Ever heard the one "I will go to the gym tomorrow". Smart huh?

Pick One Activity and Make it Fun

Next, you have to pick an activity that you really like and one that can be part of your routine for life. If you pick something which you already feel is a chore, then chances are that you will never stick to it. Whereas, if you start an activity that your mind now deems as fun then you will WANT to do it as opposed to dragging your feet to do it. Therein, lie the secret to starting an exercise regimen and sticking to it.

Stick to it

When you stick to the regimen, you will find yourself to be a new person with more energy and endurance and you will actually want to exercise more and will start looking around for something more strenuous or challenging.

Then you truly know that you have won half the battle over the excuse demon.

Swimming

Look around for an activity that you already do, for instance, an aerobic exercise like swimming.

Swimming is the most beneficial exercise ever and it does not feel like exercise either. Swimming also burns a lot more calories. Not only does swimming burn calories faster, it also burns fat faster because unknown to you your body is working a lot when you swim. So if you know how to swim, just go for it and watch the inches melt off your waist. Swimming also tones your thighs and arms. So, you are rewarded with a toned body as well.

Dancing

Dancing is another fun activity than can shed pounds and burn calories. Join a dance club or if you are one of the shy ones, get a dance video and dance away at home. You can also get other exercise videos that you can follow in the comfort of your home.

Walking and More

If you have never exercised before then walking is a good way to start. As with any exercise start gradually and then increment as you go.

Jogging, running, hiking, mountain and rock climbing, and any other sport or activity that you think of as fun is a great way to get your body moving and burning calories.

Or just plain old aerobics group exercise at the local gym is a great way to start. The group effect can be motivating and you will hold each other accountable enough to participate in the classes.

What Is Community Acupuncture, and Why Would I Want to Go There?

What is community acupuncture?

Acupuncture is relatively new in the Western world. Although it has been around for thousands of years in China it has only been practiced in the West in recent times. In Australia it is considered a complementary medicine and is not on the public health system. This leaves acupuncture remaining within the realms of those who can afford it. This is unfortunate as it has clinically shown to be a highly effective treatment modality. A community acupuncture clinic aims to close this gap and bring acupuncture to those who otherwise could not afford it. Treatments are subsidised resulting in them being a-lot more affordable for everybody.

How does a community acupuncture clinic work?

A community acupuncture clinic provides subsidised acupuncture treatments for those who usually can not access it due to cost. This can work in a couple of ways. The clinic may run multiple beds at the same time so that they are not limited to seeing just one person an hour. This means that overheads may still be met because potentially they could bring in the same amount of money. There could also be sliding scale of costs. If you are able to afford more, then you will pay more. This in turn helps those who can't afford the higher fees as your higher fees will subsidise theirs.

What can I expect?

Generally speaking community acupuncture clinics are also multi-bed clinics. This means that there are multiple beds in one room. They may be divided by screens but this is not always the case. You are not one on one with your acupuncturist, and there is less privacy. Many people enjoy this. They enjoy the communal environment of sitting there together relaxing and listening to calming music together whilst letting the needles do their work.

Be aware that as there is less private space it is especially important to wear loose comfortable clothing. Rather than disrobing you may remain fully clothed and your acupuncturist will instead adjust your clothing according to where the needles need to go.

Why would I want to go there?

The obvious advantage of a community acupuncture clinic is cost. Even if you were paying the un-subsidised price you may still find that it is less expensive than your traditional one on one clinic. Another good reason is that you can look at it as supporting your community. By going to one of these you help the doors remain open so that acupuncture can be provided to the wider community. You may also like the energy in these places. They are generally more relaxed and less formal, and you will be with others so any apprehension you may feel will fade a-lot more easily.