Let’s talk about moving your body.
When I first began my health and fitness journey many years ago, I remember walking into a gym and feeling like I landed on another planet. I never felt so small in my life. Nothing looked familiar, every person I looked at was extremely intimidating. I remember walking around the gym in a full circle and finally making my way to the only piece of equipment I had any clue about, the treadmill. I left 20 minutes later saying to myself, Welp that was a mistake. Now what?
But I went again the next day because I promised myself I would. This time I passed by a room that had a group class going on. Everyone was following the instructor at the front of the class. They all seemed sweaty and happy and moving with a purpose! I was super intrigued. I had no idea what a group fitness class was. I read the schedule posted on the door. There were all sorts of classes to choose from! I thought wow! A class where someone will actually instruct me on what to do and I don’t have to walk around pretending I know what I’m doing, and it’s in a group environment? Genius! And on that day a gym enthusiast was born. Over the many years I tried it ALL..spin class, Zumba, step class, toning, hi-lo, yoga, stretch, aerobics, HIIT. Some classes I loved, some classes I hated. Some were challenging, others were just fun. I eventually found my love of Crossfit and weight training and have been at it for over a decade. Since then, I’ve competed in novice competitions. I’ve trained for 5k’s, 10k’s, half marathons, and even a full marathon (I never got to see that one through due to an injury). I even climbed 29,000 feet up and down a mountain! I’ve watched my love for fitness grow and evolve over the decades. It’s always changing and I’m always in search of the next best thing for me.
I share this introduction with you because I feel it’s important for us to know that there is no one-size fits all in fitness. The key to fitness is finding the thing that you enjoy doing. If you don’t enjoy it, you won’t do it. And if you haven’t been able to stick with an exercise regime, I’m here to tell you it’s because you haven’t found what you enjoy…yet. If you ask those that exercise regularly if they dread it, they will undoubtedly say no, they love it. The reason they love it is because they found something that they enjoy doing and that makes them feel good. There is a plethora of options when it comes to fitness. The key is experimenting and finding something that works for you.
So, let’s get moving! We need to do what we can with what we have at the moment. If that means one time around the block, then let’s do it! If it means parking your car in the parking lot further away from the entrance to the store, then let’s do that! How about dancing while vacuuming?? Yes! It counts! Do it! The point is to start somewhere. Get your body and your mind comfortable with being uncomfortable. Give yourself the gift of movement in whatever capacity suits you today. It doesn’t matter what it looks like. It matters only that you get started. And then, we can start building on that. You DO NOT need to start with hours of intense cardio or extreme weightlifting. But you do need to build a routine of putting on your sneakers and doing some sort of movement. Building discipline and a routine is the highest form of awareness of yourself. And you deserve it! You deserve to feel good! You deserve to live a quality life! Start small and then find what you works best for you. Any form of physical activity that you enjoy doing. For example, I’m not a fan of lower body training—lunges, front squats, back squats, they’re just not my thing. So, I don’t focus on those exercises as much. Instead, I gravitate toward upper body workouts, which I truly enjoy. Because I like them, I make sure to incorporate upper body training into my routine regularly. It keeps me motivated and excited to show up.
Why should fitness be a priority in your life?
1. Improves Physical Health
-
- Cardiovascular benefits: Regular physical activity strengthens your heart and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
-
- Weight management: Burns calories and supports weight loss when combined with a balanced diet.
-
- Bone health: Walking helps maintain bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
2. Enhances Mental Well-being
-
- Reduces stress: Gentle, rhythmic movement and being in nature can lower cortisol levels.
-
- Boosts mood: Moving your body increases endorphins, improving overall happiness and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
-
- Improves focus and creativity: A brisk walk can clear your mind and enhance problem-solving skills.
3. Supports Longevity
-
- Studies link regular movement to longer life expectancy by reducing risks of chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
4. Improves Sleep
-
- Exercise helps regulate circadian rhythms, making it easier to fall asleep and enjoy deeper rest.
5. Customizable
-
- Adjustable intensity: You can tailor exercise to your fitness level by increasing pace, distance, or adding resistance.
-
- Social or solo activity: Enjoy alone time or invite friends and family to join.
You want energy? You want to sleep better? You want to keep up with your children and grandchildren? You want to feel good in your jeans? Just start moving. And know that whatever you are doing today, wherever you start, it will ,and should, evolve. Your interests will change. You will get curious about a new activity. You will try it. And that’s how you grow into a lifestyle of fitness.
Never underestimate the importance of moving your body. There will be days when you don’t feel like it, and times when it feels overwhelming. But I promise you this—you will never regret it. Movement has a way of propelling you forward, inspiring other positive and healthy changes in your life.
Start small. Try different things. Find something you enjoy and just keep moving.