In the previous post we talked about the F-word: fitness. This is the continuation of that discussion. The same month I started attending boot camp, I also started the Couch-to-5K running program. This program literally gets you off the couch and running a 5K (3.1 miles) in about eight weeks. As many of you know, I just completed my second half-marathon (13.1 miles). The truth is, we all have to start somewhere. When I started running, I couldn't even run for a minute. I was huffing and puffing, saying "It's got to be a minute — is the minute up yet?" I gradually added minute, then mileage, and achieved my goal of a half marathon.

Our career is physically demanding. Our chest, arms, and backs get used and abused. Our chest muscles get tight from the repetition, the constant filing, and massage. Over time, we round our backs and get hunched over. We can develop bad posture and that can change how we sit. When we sit off kilter, it affects our entire body — our neck, back, hips, and legs. The way we sit engages our total body. Now our full body can be hurting and in pain. When our back hurts, we need to develop core strength to support our back. Our arms and shoulders get quite a workout every day too. We’re constantly filing and massaging; that takes muscle. Anyone have a bigger bicep on the arm you foot-file with? I know I used to, due to filing those Grand Canyon crevices and calluses on my clients’ feet.

A year ago, I also started noticing something about the clients I’ve been servicing for 10 or more years. I noticed my clients who don’t get out and walk or exercise are becoming fragile and frail. I have to walk slower with them to get to my station and they’re out of breath by the time they get to the hand-washing station. They stand there for a minute before washing their hands to catch their breath. I need to assist them into their chair and when they get up to leave. Many of them are feeble, they grunt and count to three just to get up. Then, when they do stand up, they have to wait to catch their balance. Now the thing that shocks me the most is the age of these clients: They’re 50 to 60 years old. That’s not even old and they’ve got a lot of life left to be mobile.

Now before you beat me up, I know that some clients have medical conditions, restrictions, bad knees or backs, etc. I walk with all my clients to my station and I do assist my clients into their chairs as customer service. But, what I’m talking about is how I’ve seen so many of my client‘s health deteriorate over time due to being inactive. I always say “If you quit moving, you rust!” Seeing this in my clients has led me to see how important it is to get out and move your body. Have you noticed this in your clientele? Have you seen a difference in your clients that do exercise, walk, or lead an active lifestyle?

Tune in next week to find out the benefits of getting started and how to implement a program. Taking notice and recognizing the wake-up call — one more way to help you stand out above the rest and become the BEST!

— Jill