By Lisa Leath Turpin, Health & Wellness Coach
As we enter this season of gratitude, let’s take a moment to give thanks for one of our greatest blessings — the ability to move. Movement truly is a gift. The saying “use it or lose it” may sound cliché, but it’s profoundly true. If you’re feeling more achy, stiff or sluggish lately, there’s good news: you can do something about it.
You have more control over how you feel than you might think. Long work hours, technology and daily demands can make self-care tough, but stopping movement only makes life harder. Like athletes who train steadily toward their best, we must also keep our bodies active to build strength, stamina and resilience for the stresses of everyday life.
So—just move! Start small, set realistic goals and give yourself grace when you miss a day. Modify when needed, but don’t quit. If one part of your body can’t move, work the others. Movement equals calorie burning, energy and empowerment.
Try simple body-weight exercises such as squats, lunges, pushups, planks or dips using a chair or stairs. Or head outside — even a brisk walk or beach stroll in soft sand can tone muscles and boost your mood. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s consistency.
Holiday Health Challenge: “Weigh Down to Christmas”
This holiday season, let’s focus not on losing weight, but on maintaining it. For the next 60 days, aim to stay the same. Enjoy your favorite treats but balance them with activity. Take a short walk after big meals — it helps burn off sugar before it’s stored and supports healthy blood sugar levels.
Want accountability? Join me by emailing beactive850@gmail.com. Let’s finish the year feeling strong, thankful and healthy together.
Try This: Protein Pumpkin Mousse—a guilt-free treat packed with fall flavor: Mix ½ cup pumpkin puree, 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt, 1 scoop vanilla whey protein, 2 Tbsp sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix and 2 Tbsp fat-free whipped topping. Refrigerate an hour, sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy this creamy, protein-packed dessert.
Lisa Leath Turpin is a local, certified health and fitness coach and area independent personal trainer with more than 25 years of experience helping others strengthen both body and mind. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sports and fitness management from the University of Alabama and is board certified by the National Board of Fitness Examiners. Lisa has managed health and wellness programs for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Huntsville, Ala., and holds certifications from AFAA, Polestar/Balanced Body, Reebok U, SCW Fitness and the American Heart Association.
