I used to be a couch potato.
Can you believe that?
If you follow me on social media, you know I always talk about going to or coming back from my exercise classes.
I even showed up consistently for my Zoom exercise classes, even my gym went virtual during lockdown.
However, prior to joining my gym in 2011, I wasn’t always this way.
I mean, I attended Yoga classes, but to be honestly I mostly did it because it because of the company - going with either my mom or sister-in-law. Otherwise, I had no desire to do it.
One day, I happened to peek into the door of a building in my small rural hometown in Connecticut and saw a chalkboard with a schedule of classes.
Zumba caught my eye, which I always wanted to try, So, I decided to give it a try, and shortly after, I became a member of that gym.
Like everyone, I went through phases where I didn’t go as often, and even made every excuse in the book for why I shouldn’t go. I think it’s normal to go through ups and downs where we don’t always stick with routines or habits, but I’m so happy I’m back to going six days a week to classes, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Why am I telling you this?
Because I believe exercise is vital for living a fulfilled and joyful life. It makes me feel stronger, brings me joy, and I feel like I can accomplish anything.
Exercise also has a way of shifting and resetting my mindset after a long day teaching elementary schoolers. Now that I’m no longer living in my hometown, I still attend that gym. In fact, I look forward to every class.
From my previous emails, posts, and social media stories, many of you know that I got into a car accident last August and broke my tailbone.
I thought I’d never be able to work out again, but luckily, I’m back at my gym classes and feeling even stronger and more joyful than ever.es. What makes it so great is the friends I’ve met at the gym. My instructor makes it even more fun too. She’s freakin’ hilarious and isn’t afraid to call you out or jokingly pick on you. She leaves us dying laughing.
Besides thoroughly enjoying attending these classes, I also know the health benefits.
The American Heart Association recommends 150-minutes of moderate exercise or 75-minutes of intense/vigorous exercise (or a combo of both).
That is why I encourage all of my clients to partake in some form of exercise or movement throughout the week. Not only is it good for your body, but it’s also good for your mind and soul.
If you’re not incorporating exercise or movement into your schedule, this email isn’t meant to make you feel bad about yourself or feel like a failure. In fact, my goal is to empower you to start exercising today. Here are three tips to make sure you start and stick with moving your body on a regular basis.
1. Find what works for you. Try out different forms of exercises both at home and/or at the gym. There are so many options now, such as Youtube videos, the FitOn app (which is free), dancing to your favorite music, or going for a walk or run. If you have kids, incorporate them in the exercise, so they see the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, not everyone has the liberty or finances to get a gym membership, but I encourage you to try their classes if you do. It’s what works for me.
2. Start small. Start with exercising 3 days a week for 10 minutes. Mix up the routine. Go for a walk one day, and then dance another. As you increase consistency, work your way up to increase the amount of time you work out each week until you have reached at least 75 minutes per day.
3. Be kind to yourself in the process. If you miss a day, don’t beat yourself up. Just get back on the saddle and continue exercising the next day.
Nothing is more powerful than falling in love with caring for yourself, mind, body, and spirit.
And as Nelson Mandela once said, “Exercise is the key not only to physical health but to peace of mind.”
