If there’s one thing that goes well with green smoothies, it’s exercise. This morning I ran around Princess Park in Carlton. There were literally hundreds of people out enjoying the park. It was a fantastic atmosphere and great to see such a big commitment to fitness.

I love the way a run makes me feel. On the walk home I feel like I’ve achieved something great for the day and could leap buildings in a single bound! Exercise helps to lower blood pressure and releases endorphins. I also find that I achieve so much more when I add exercise into my day.

In the past if the weather was bleak, I would be on the couch. It was a really poor excuse and I sold it to myself frequently. On days where the weather is questionable, I now use exercise or yoga tapes, hire a treadmill or go to the local heated indoor pool. I will also walk or run when it’s windy or cold. The choices are endless if you look further than the weather conditions. In past years, I would not have run for a bus let alone for fun. Now I love it!

Make sure you choose exercise or sports that are suitable for you. It’s really important to do things that you enjoy. Finding people to exercise with is great for keeping you motivated. If you are finding it difficult to do certain exercises, consult your medical specialist for guidance. There will be something you can do towards increasing your activity level each day. It’s as simple as that.

Fun runs and walks are a great way to commit to doing regular exercise. There is a series in Melbourne called the Super Sunset Series. It is three events held during summer. The first is at the Melbourne Zoo, the second at the Tan in the city and the third at Princess Park in Carlton. You can choose from 4km run/walk or 8km run.

We have just completed the second race at The Tan. It’s a wonderful place to run and is a jewel in Melbourne’s crown. Set on the banks of the Yarra River and winding around the Botanical Gardens, the Tan attracts so many people for a variety of reasons. On any given day, you will see romantic picnics, children, games, dogs, BBQ’s, training sessions, and people settled on a blanket with a good book. If you have the opportunity to visit, I highly recommend it.

Do some exercise today towards a healthier lifestyle! You could cycle, walk, run, golf, swim, rollerblade, ski, snowboard, rowing, stretching, yoga, tennis, basket ball, hiking, surfing, canoeing, adventure sports or Pilates. Do it, do it now!