It's easy to stop paying attention to your physical exercise from time to time. It's normal to let a few days go occasionally but when it become a week or two, it can hurt, both literally and figuratively. Of course, life gets busy and getting to the gym or your exercise class can be challenging to plan. Yet, I have learned from years of my own experience and working with clients that maintaining workout consistency is worth the challenge.
DISCONNECTING FROM WELLNESS
Here are a few top reasons why (and yes, I am on my soapbox):
1. Energy loss: Physical stamina seems to weaken when exercise decreases or halts. Humans need energy and exercise fuels it.
2. Unneeded calories consumed: The eat-more-drink-more-to-get-through-a-challenging-time patter beats the getting-to-the-gym-releases-my-stress pattern.
3. False ideas flourish: These may include, "I'm getting old" (which is true but that happens regardless) and "I can't manage all of life's commitments". Negative thoughts can 'run wild'.
4. Bad patterns die hard: The longer away from an exercise rhythm, the more "challenging" it is to jump back in.
STAY CONNECTED
Truth is, exerting our bodies gives us energy and relaxes us. When we take care of ourselves, we feel more optimistic about what we can achieve and manage. We are our best when we categorize exercise as a non negotiable in our life, like food and rest.
EXERCISE IS NOT FOR THE EASY DAYS
Exercise is really a practice that is best tested when we are struggling. When things in life get hard, exercise is the release value that helps us let off steam. We are constantly working to regulate and when unfortunate or challenging situations occur, we need tools to help ourselves. Movement is one of them. It's an act of radical self care and it can cost us nothing. It's free to walk, jog or run. We can do jumping jacks, burpees, crunches, lunges, squats, mountain climbers and any variety of movements. Whatever you do is good, just do it.
START TODAY
Here are some thoughts on getting you head in the game so you get your body feeling good.
1. Simply connect to what you know will be the result of your exercise. Think -- calm, centered, strong, etc.
2. If you are starting a new routine, create a goal for your exercise that you know you can achieve. Start with 15 or 20 minutes, 2 times a week of focused movement. If you are moderately fit, commit to a longer duration, say 40 minutes and do it 3 or 4 times a week. But most importantly, be focused about it and do it..
3. Get a partner. People show up for their friends and family more readily than only for themselves. Not only will you show up, you will have some bonding time. It's a win, win!
If you need help, getting active and connected to your body and wellness, please arrange a free coaching consultation.
It hit me like a thud when someone said it to me. I was blindsided by it and it radically changed my perspective...for the better. I'm referring to the realization that the thoughts I had in my head were deeply affecting my life.