Activity
I write this after a beautiful fall hike in CDA. The sun reflected off of the lake, trees are bright red, yellow, leaves scatter the ground, there is a crispness in the air, and (sorry to paint this picture) I am happily sweaty from a quick hike around Tubbs Hill.
I do this hike almost every day. I can walk to the trailhead from my apartment, and it takes me less than an hour to speed-hike the whole thing.
I write this post because literally every time I hike this, I realize how much I love exercising and fresh air.
I feel energized, happy, motivated, and healthy!
I am passionate about the idea that exercise is the best medicine. Psychologically, physically, in every way, it delivers.
Your body loves to move!
I will give you five ways to get into moving your body more to get to feeling this “high,” and then I will end with a challenge for the month of November for you to join me in!
5 Ways to Get Moving
Go for a walk! Start by going for a walk around the block, then slowly increase the length of time you walk. Just stretching your legs and getting your heart pumping can increase your energy, improve heart health, and leave you feeling more positive. Starting small and slowly increasing your walking time is a great way to get started in moving your body without causing too much stress, or leaving you feeling disheartened.
YouTube exercise videos! YouTube has so many free workout videos from yoga, to dance, to HIIT (high intensity interval training), to Zumba, it totally delivers! Then you can decide your length, difficulty, and are still in the privacy of your own home if you feel uncomfortable going to a public class.
Try a community class! This takes those YouTube videos a step further. Signing up for a class every week, or multiple times a week can help you feel motivated to get moving. An added bonus is that you will meet like-minded people who are working toward similar goals. Talk about instant friendships! Many of these community classes have their own challenges as well- hoping to create even more incentive for participants to keep moving! Get some friends and make a little competition!
Try a yoga class! This one is pretty specific, and I’ll tell you why. I think yoga is such a great beginner-advanced movement option for mental clarity and physical health. It incorporates meditation for the mind, low-impact movement for any person, but enough movement to help you sweat a little. It also includes stretching, helping keep your muscles loose to prevent injury. Yoga is an all-around get-moving option for all health aspects. If you’re nervous to start, feel free to ask questions of me, or even with the instructor! Yoga embraces vulnerability and welcomes newbies.
Create a routine! Putting movement into your daily routine can take some adjustment time, but once it’s done, your body will crave the endorphins (“high”) from your exercising. This makes it easy to continue, leading to a happy heart, mind, and body.
**Keep in mind to discuss appropriate movement options with your doctor if you have any health concerns.**
Keep it light!
Keep it fun!
Include friends if that’s your thing, or enjoy your you time!
OK, now for the November CHALLENGE!!!
I’ve been looking forward to this for months now: a MONTH of yoga everyday!
There is a hot yoga studio in town that has a newbie deal of 30 days for $30. That’s $1 per day for a yoga class EVERY SINGLE DAY!
I’m so excited! I’ve been waiting for a period of 30 days where I’ll be in town, and it’s coming up starting on October 29th!
So, my challenge for all of you, is to take the month of November to MOVE every single day!
It can be as simple as a walk around the block, some yoga in the living room, lifting textbooks, doing some squats during work, whatever!! Just MOVE everyday!
Print off a calendar, and give yourself a star, heart, check mark, for every day that you move! Then share it at the end to the comments or to the Facebook page of this blog!
If you want to take it to the next level, journal about how you’re feeling now emotionally and physically, and continue to journal until the end. See if there are changes and where you feel them!
I hope you join me in this challenge!
Rach
