Holistic Review L: life exercises for a lifetime of natural health. Last revised May 1, 2008. (Minor changes Saturday, May 17, 2008.)

    1. Exercise is the most proven way to stay young. 

Some of the most annoying aspects of old age are the increasing disabilities to walk, to lift objects, to stand up. All of this is easily avoided by regular exercise. However do not over-exercise. If already elderly, please consult a doctor.

    2. The best exercise system is whatever one that you will do. 

Some people avoid exercise, but are good at following a schedule. For such people, it may be best to join a health club. Others may have a game they enjoy. Others may find an exercise machine that is fun. This is better than a machine that is not much fun. However the most important time to maintain your exercises is during travel, whether it be work related or due to a family problem or a rare emergency. Such difficult times in life are the most important times to maintain your exercises, and usually the most likely times that your exercises will not be maintained.

    3. The idea of the LIFE system is to give special attention to the minimum exercise needed to maintain basic health. 

If you already have plenty of exercise at work, the LIFE exercises will maintain your strength during off-seasons, vacations, and as you become older. If you are a strong athlete, LIFE exercises are an ideal warm-up routine. If on the other hand you are weak and elderly, or do not exercise enough, then LIFE exercises can gently restore your strength. Here is the general idea.

. . . LIFE exercises have no specific method. At the heart of LIFE exersises is only the general idea to use the four letters L.I.F.E. to create a comprehensive routine, in any way you prefer, and which you can change for any situation.
. . . LIFE exercises use the principle of "cross training", or doing a different exercise each day, to minimize the time, maximize the range, and reduce boredom.
. . . LIFE exercises encourage "creative cheating". If you do not wish to exercise, stop for one day. If any muscle seems strained, stop for one week. You also are allowed to "pretend" by going through the motions fewer times, or using absurdly light weights, or in an incomplete manner.
. . . LIFE exercises discourage rapid progress. We believe that a positive mental attitude is more important than short term improvements. It is essential to avoid generating the subsconscious desire to break free. Therefore, the goal in the first year is not to do the exercises properly, but rather to create the subconsicous sense that they are necessary and easy. The goal is not physical progress, but mentally to make the exercises as habitual as brushing your teeth. After the first year, then you may gradually increase the difficulty.
. . . The basic LIFE system: use the four letters L.I.F.E. to remind yourself, preferably first thing in the morning, to do one of the following.

    *   L: LIFT weights such as water bottles or small barbells.
    *   I: INTERACTIVE exercises, such as one hand pulling or pushing the other.
    *   F: FAT BURNING, or abdominal exercises. Such as, while lying down, gently try to lift your head slightly off the ground.
    *   E: ENDURANCE, such as walking upstairs several times, or just kicking the air with your legs. This is also the day to make a bit of extra effort to do your favorite sport, ride an exercise machine, or go walking.

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