Movement and Exercise as Daily Habits!
We all know that movement is good for our bodies and that a sedentary lifestyle can quickly become problematic. As someone who maintains an active lifestyle, I know personally how much physical, emotional and mental benefits come with gaining and maintaining fitness. A fitness journey looks different for all, but I believe each person can find helpful ways to incorporate movement into their day. If you’d like to get started (or continue!) Here are some things to consider.
Have a “why.” Keep in mind the big picture as to why your fitness is important. This will ground you on days where you are losing motivation. Maybe you want to play with your kids or grandkids easily without running out of breath. Maybe you want to maintain strength as you age. Perhaps you want to train for an ironman! It doesn’t matter what it is, just that you know your purpose.
Recognize that motivation ebs and flows, and prepare to not “feel motivated” everyday. Ask anyone with some success with a healthy lifestyle if they felt like they wanted to run, walk, strength train, etc. every time they showed up for it. Instead, rely on generally consistent training and discipline, and allow for some flexibility.
While there is nothing necessarily wrong with wanting a certain aesthetic, don’t have that be your only why. it won’t get you very far, and can lead people to feel frustrated or sad about their bodies, which is the opposite of what we want. Focus on improvement— maybe you can run your first mile non-stop, do your first push up, or finally touch your toes!
Be skeptical of any program that is about “building a bikini body” or “lose 10 lbs in 10 days!” These kind of programs tend to be drastic, lead to burnout, focus overly on aesthetics, and take all the fun out of enjoying slow progress over time. It also leads to an all or nothing mentality. One of my favorite personal fitness gurus, Caroline Girvan, has built many amazing free fitness programs while practically never having it be about the look. Besides, for most of us if we take care of our bodies with nutrition and movement many will see some changes naturally.
Find what works for you. I have many friends and family that enjoy fitness and how they incorporate it in their lives all looks very different. and their goals are different. We can learn and be curious about each other without having to do things the exact same way!
Some people are more self-directed and others can’t imagine working out without friends, a class or some form of external accountability. Figure out which type you are and how to work within that.
Unless you hate ALL types of movement (and I doubt that’s true for most of us!) find something you like. Ive had people tell me they make themselves go for runs and they hate running. Don’t torture yourself! Find a sport you like, a trainer you like, a hobby that involves movement, but do not force yourself to be miserable everyday moving on an elliptical machine that you find incredibly boring.
Get creative. I began this year offering a few walk and talk therapy sessions for those who were interested. These clients could get in a couple miles or so in an hour and so could I. Walking treadmills at your work desk have become more common. do not underestimate the power or adding a few small changes to your day that involve more movement. I even occasionally plank for a minute or two between clients (and I even think its fun.)
Dont forget to consider nutrition. No, having good nutrition is not the same as “being on a diet.” it means a general awareness of what feels good for your body and supports your bodies healthy movement. Nutrition is a highly personal matter that will look different for everyone based on their needs. if underrating, overeating, or food obsession is a problem for you, consult a therapist and possibly a dietician or nutritionist.
Above all, health and wellness in general is a marathon not a sprint. It takes time, and sometimes some failures, to figure out what works for us. Hold yourself accountable, but do not be too hard on yourself!
An active lifestyle can lead to greater confidence, empowerment, and of course can be fun too! If you want to improve your fitness and are struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out!
