Some form of exercise is a necessity in everyone’s life. I know some people are not fans of sweating, being in a gym, making the effort or feeling they do not have time during their busy schedules, but people WAKE UP! You have one body and one mind so you must start to treat them right this very moment. Exercise/ being active is so important for not only your physical health, but your mental health. If you are not physically and mentally healthy, then you are not able to be productive or help anyone else. It's important for us all to build healthy and beneficial habits into our daily routine so that we can start functioning on a higher level. The earlier in life you do this the better since it becomes part of your foundation and the way in which you can live a healthier and happier life. I never used to like exercising until I discovered Pilates. I have been practicing Pilates since I was 14 years old and got so addicted to it that I decided to become a certified instructor four years ago. I love practicing and teaching Pilates Mat classes because it not only helps you build strength and tone your body, but it creates a deeper mind body connection. For those of you who are not familiar with Pilates Mat, it consists of a series of exercises completed on a mat that systematically target little muscles through out your whole body. These exercises do not focus on building the superficial muscles of the body, but target strengthening the deepest fibers. Imagine exercising from the inside out. In order to understand how these deeper muscles work, your mind needs to become in tune with your body so that you can really feel yourself working. After practicing Pilates for a couple months, you will be amazed by all of the tiny muscles in your body that you never knew existed!
If Pilates is not your thang, that is ok, too. It's really just important to incorporate some sort of strength training and cardio regime into your week. I know it can be hard to motivate yourself to get moving, but once you are finished with your regime (even if its only 20 min), you feel that much better. You feel blood moving through your body, a release of stress tension and a boost of endorphins that give you a little high for the day.
Some suggestions of how to get moving: 1. A simple way to become more active during your daily routine is walking more. For those of you that know me really well, you know how much I love to walk (as I used to wear a pedometer ha). If this means leaving yourself more time on your commute to and from work so you can walk to the next train/ bus stop, that is great! And/or you take the stairs instead of the elevator…even better! (get those gluts working)
2. Bring your gym bag with you to work/school/your daily activities to help ensure that you will make it there before you return home for the night and fall into a lazy pattern.
3. Get an exercise buddy that will help motivate you and keep you on track. Schedule times/ locations to meet so you feel committed to someone, not only something.
4. Sign up for races, triathlons, pick up sports games…anything that maybe targets your competitive side that needs to work towards a certain goal or compete.
5. Purchase some simple home equipment like light dumb bells, bands or balls where you can create your own workout (make sure someone shows you proper form- you could hurt yourself).
The main point here is to get moving and make it as enjoyable as you can! Do not think of exercising as a choir, but a blessing. You have a healthy functioning body and that is a beautiful thing that no one should put to waste. Take advantage of your mobility!
YOU have one body and one mind so treat them both right!