Posted 2:59 am Sunday, April 29, 2012
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A Reason To Get Fit: Enjoyment
I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I'm just now discovering a flash workout video by pop star Beyonce, titled "Move Your Body."
It's part of the "Let's Move!" campaign, the healthy living initiative targeting school-age children promoted by first lady Michelle Obama. The superstar revamped one of her hits songs, Get Me Bodied, for the program last year.
The music is contagious, the choreography is easy and it's fun. The video occurs in a school cafeteria. Children begin dancing, most of which are basic moves like jumping rope and running in place. The kids seemed enthused, not just because they were dancing with Beyonce, but they also appear to enjoy the activity.
Children today have iPods, video games and television, which competes with free play. Most don't even know
how
to play outside. But it doesn't have to be that way. It just takes something or someone to grab their attention. There aren't many kids who aren't grabbed by pop or hip hop music, whether they can dance or not.
This video reminded me of several conversations I've had with fitness experts and doctors, who all say the best way to get moving is to find something you love doing. Exercise shouldn't always be about hitting the gym or running a marathon. For those who feel awkward in team sports or learning how to position themselves in exercise equipment, dancing or unstructured play may be more practical.
For children, especially, it's a must.
Which brings me to Revolutionary Way to be Healthy No. 53: Move Your Body. It says, "Every day, every which-way you can, in as many ways as you enjoy. Pursue active passions. Movement nourishes your body, clears toxins, and reduces the inflammation that breeds illness and irritation."
As for you adults, go ahead, take a look at the video, and maybe even find another you like or just spend several minutes each day dancing to the radio. Whatever you do, just move your body! To view Move Your Body, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYP4MgxDV2U.
