I want to share some strategies for spicin' up workouts. I find that change keeps me interested, challenged, and having fun- a great recipe for motivation. Movement is invigorating and necessary for our bodies. Why not reap the benefits of different varieties? Take what you learn from classes, online resources, ect... and APPLY them at home, in parks, on vacations. Exercise is exercise is exercise- it's all good, my friends.
Yoga
I love to groove with asanas or relax into Yin. Yoga is what I turn to when my life is feeling chaotic, as a way to reground in my body. It is supremely settling to breath, flow, and stretch without distraction. Even when I am too busy to attend a class, there are loads of (free!) online videos to provide guidance. I'll even take myself through a vinyasa sequence if I'm feelin' confident in my knowledge. Yoga boasts the additional benefit of being extremely low impact. It is easy on the joints, while challenging the muscles. This method can actually be called yummy.
Meathead Gymmin'
Sometimes, there is nothing more satisfying than throwing some weights around. Pumping iron, so to speak. It is empowering as all get out. I love to arrive in the gym fully caffeinated, music blasting through my ear buds. I love to leave the gym a sweaty mess, muscles aching with glycogen deprivation. There are amazing sources of information out there to enable good form and solid implementation: personal trainers, Bodybuilding.com, Youtube tutorial videos, ect. I choose to gym when I want to feel STRONG and emboldened. This is the result almost every time ;)
Hiking
If I've been forced under roofs and between walls, all I want is to get my feet in the dirt. I crave expansiveness. I wish to jive with the trees. Hiking is a great cardiovascular workout, as well as a challenge for the glutes, hammies, quads... really all of your legs. It enables access beyond where motorized vehicles can take us. It is low impact on the joints, and can therefore be done throughout our lifetimes. Hiking is also an opportunity for social connection. Good conversation can carry you through more miles than you would believe possible.
Swimming
My old waterpolo coach used to say "there is more to life than staring at a black line" in response to the sport of swimming. And I used to wholeheartedly support this view. HOWEVER! Swimming is restorative; it stretches you; it strengthens lungs and muscles alike. It is used as rehabilitation and as a good butt- kickin'. It absolutely torches calories; I've never needed more food than during swim season in high school. It can also be meditative. There is a certain high that infiltrates the body after several consecutive laps that is not achieved with other forms of exercise. My body buzzes after a good swim.
These are my go- to, my back pocket, my worn in pair of jeans. I crave them. I am drawn to these forms of movement like moths to a lantern. I so encourage finding active ways to align with your body's needs. There are dance classes, rock climbing gyms, organized sports leagues... there are good old fashioned strolls around the block. Let's explore, shall we?
