Michele Moskowitz: How Exercise Transformed My Life—and How It Can Change Yours Too
Guest Writer - Michele Moskowitz
How Exercise Transformed My Life—and How It Can Change Yours Too by Michele Moskowitz
We’ve all been there.
“That’s it,” we tell ourselves. “I need to start exercising. No more excuses!”
Motivated, we dive into Google, opening tabs for gym memberships, fitness routines, and YouTube workout videos. Determination is high—at least at first. But eventually, those tabs stay open, untouched. Motivation fades, and apathy takes over.
In our heads, we repeat the same promises:
From now on...
Starting tomorrow...
Every day, I will...
No more slacking...
We may even get as far as starting. One, two, maybe even three sessions. But then, life happens—a meeting here, a dinner there, the kids need something, or maybe a cold or a headache. Before we know it, exercise gets pushed down the priority list. And let’s be honest—it’s not hard to convince ourselves that skipping a couple of sessions won’t make much difference, especially if we’ve never been consistent before.
Believe me, I’ve been there.
But I also know that once you make exercise a part of your routine, it can transform your life. When it becomes a habit, the benefits—both mental and physical—are undeniable.
My Journey Back to Exercise
Would you believe that there was a time when I wasn’t exercising at all? I had exercised in the past, but at some point, I stopped. And strangely enough, it was COVID that got me back on track. The stress of those uncertain times pushed me to do something positive with the extra time I had. Four years later, I’m still keeping it up.
Exercise has impacted not only my physical health but also my work, my family life, and everything in between. There are three key ways that exercise has made a lasting difference in my life—and it can do the same for you.
1. Exercise Clears My Head
Life is busy. Between endless to-do lists and unexpected tasks, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But when I take 15, 20, or even 30 minutes to exercise, it’s time that’s just for me. It gives me a mental reset, helping me face the rest of the day with a clearer mind.
2. It Keeps Me Focused
When I exercise, I’m fully present. I’m aware of my body, my breathing, and how I feel in that moment. And after a good workout, I return to my tasks with sharper focus and less distraction.
3. Exercise Gives Me More Energy
It sounds counterintuitive, I know. People think you’re supposed to feel tired after exercising, but in reality, the opposite happens. Blood is flowing, oxygen is circulating, and I feel like a new person with renewed energy.
My Favorite Time to Exercise
I prefer working out in the morning—it’s my version of a caffeine boost. But life doesn’t always go as planned, and sometimes I exercise in the evening. Either way, I feel the benefits. And when I skip a day? I feel it. I feel it that day, I feel it the next day. Something is missing, and my body knows it.
My Go-To Workouts
Over the years, I’ve tried different workout programs, but recently I’ve become hooked on jump roping. It’s efficient, fun, and brings back those carefree childhood memories from the playground. Plus, it’s a fantastic cardio workout that takes much less time than a jog.
Speaking of jogging—I used to jog, but I found that an effective run was too time-consuming. Jump roping, on the other hand, gives me a quick, powerful workout. I’ve also incorporated weight training into my routine, which is especially important as we get older. I alternate between upper and lower body workouts and sprinkle in a couple of jump rope sessions throughout the week to keep things balanced.
Ready to Get Started? Here’s My Advice:
If you’re still on the fence about starting (or restarting) your fitness journey, here are three things I’ve learned along the way:
1. Just Start.
You’ll keep putting it off forever if you don’t take that first step. Don’t wait for the “perfect time.” There isn’t one. (Think of Nike’s slogan: Just Do It.)
2. Start Slow and Build Up.
You don’t need an hour every day. Do something you enjoy—something that feels fun, not like a chore. If you like walking, start with that. Take it slow and work your way up.
3. Build a Habit.
Find a trigger that reminds you to exercise—a time of day, a specific routine, or even a song. And reward yourself (just not with an ice cream sundae!). Stick with it for 20 days, and soon enough, it’ll become second nature—just like your morning coffee.
Final Thoughts: Make It a Habit
You don’t need an expensive gym membership or a daily hour-long workout to get in shape. Start moderately, be consistent, and find something you enjoy. Once it becomes part of your routine, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
So what are you waiting for? Start today, and let exercise change your life—just like it did mine.
#HealthMatters #JumpIntoShape #OneBodyOneLife #NoExcuses #StartToday!
