I recognize how exercise enhances my life, makes me feel good, and gives me the stamina and strength to work, play, and accomplish more than I can when I let myself go and stop taking care of myself.
It's amazing the thought processes that I go through sometimes just to get going with exercise, especially when I've taken a couple of days off, or just done minimal walking the dog exercise for a day or two.
I don't sleep as well -- that's a first sign that I need exercise -- and if I don't sleep well, then the day has a sort of grey tinge to it. When I do exercise enough (- and for everybody "enough" is probably different but, going back to the beginning, for me, it's at least 20 minutes of aerobics 3 times a week, or 1 hour of walking 5x a week, or regular yoga vinyasa practice of 30 minutes or so 3 to 5 times a week.
That's just me.Another way of putting it is -- I need to sweat about 20 minutes or so at least 3 x a week, preferably more) I feel better when I wake up and exercise is already a part of my day so I don't think about it. I just do it.
Otherwise I have to talk to myself, encourage myself to get up and get moving.
I realize when I tune into my body, it's craving more exercise than I'm giving it. This morning I did a 30 minute run/walk with the dog; yesterday I walked, including two hills, for an hour. And, still, this morning, my body wants more, so I will do yoga this afternoon to a video I have with a good 20 minute workout.
I will give my body that.
And my mind will thank me, too. I've had some stress lately and exercise helps me see things more clearly, less reactively. It's a lot like meditation, which I also do regularly and know my life is enriched by it.
So, these are gifts that I give to me that enhance my life.
What are you giving your body and mind today?
A blog for people who want to exercise daily or at least 3x a week.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
My body and mind are healthy and strong
Studies show that exercise keeps the mind in shape, too. I notice that if I go through a period of laziness and inactivity my mind gets sluggish, like my body. But when I'm consistent with exercise, even regular walking for 30 or 40 (or more) minutes a day, my thinking is clear and sharp.
Right now I am trying to avoid going into workaholic mode. I have a lot of clients right now and I can become ocd about work, sitting for hours at the computer and on the phone, doing business, completely zoned. The result is weight around my waist and belly, and feeling half dead.
My goal, and challenge, is to exercise an hour a day -- and I've managed to do it somewhat consistently, but this week, no. Yesterday I walked for 40 minutes, but didn't do yoga at all, which I need to do to feel healthy. I realized a long time ago that running, without real deep stretching, would wreck my posture and maybe other body parts eventually. I found yoga and studied it intensely for a few years, taking classes with very good teachers. For the last five years, I've had mostly a home practice.
In this five years, I've run less and less. I've been a runner for most of my adult life but it's become less enjoyable, and painful, yet I miss the aerobic high of running, so I'm not sure what to do.
Walking definitely is enjoyable -- I take my dog, Gracie, with me -- and it keeps me in some kind of shape, but doesn't give me that ripped feeling that more intense workouts (running) does. I'm looking at revamping my exercise regime.
Regarding yoga: when I consistently practice, even just a few sun salutations and some standing poses then some floor poses, my body feels balanced - I don't crave extra food and feel relaxed mentally and physically. Ideally, I would be able to practice outside - as that's what I love about walking - being outdoors. But right now, my yoga practice needs to be inside.
This morning I'm going for an hour, maybe walk and run...My body and mind are healthy and strong!
Right now I am trying to avoid going into workaholic mode. I have a lot of clients right now and I can become ocd about work, sitting for hours at the computer and on the phone, doing business, completely zoned. The result is weight around my waist and belly, and feeling half dead.
My goal, and challenge, is to exercise an hour a day -- and I've managed to do it somewhat consistently, but this week, no. Yesterday I walked for 40 minutes, but didn't do yoga at all, which I need to do to feel healthy. I realized a long time ago that running, without real deep stretching, would wreck my posture and maybe other body parts eventually. I found yoga and studied it intensely for a few years, taking classes with very good teachers. For the last five years, I've had mostly a home practice.
In this five years, I've run less and less. I've been a runner for most of my adult life but it's become less enjoyable, and painful, yet I miss the aerobic high of running, so I'm not sure what to do.
Walking definitely is enjoyable -- I take my dog, Gracie, with me -- and it keeps me in some kind of shape, but doesn't give me that ripped feeling that more intense workouts (running) does. I'm looking at revamping my exercise regime.
Regarding yoga: when I consistently practice, even just a few sun salutations and some standing poses then some floor poses, my body feels balanced - I don't crave extra food and feel relaxed mentally and physically. Ideally, I would be able to practice outside - as that's what I love about walking - being outdoors. But right now, my yoga practice needs to be inside.
This morning I'm going for an hour, maybe walk and run...My body and mind are healthy and strong!
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Exercise Feels Good!
A lot of the time, it feels better than good -- It's a body/mind/spirit accumulation of good feelings and then reaching some kind of zone with exercise where worries and fears and petty concerns drop away. Whether I'm walking or running or doing yoga or dancing, I have the same experience: my mind lets go and that feels great.
Today, this week, affirm, in writing and outloud, that exercise feels good. Maybe not in the first stages, when you're warming up, but there is no doubt that as you stay with it, at some point, that letting go takes place.
At the end of your run or cycling or swimming or whatever the feeling is just fantastic. Go for it.
Today, this week, affirm, in writing and outloud, that exercise feels good. Maybe not in the first stages, when you're warming up, but there is no doubt that as you stay with it, at some point, that letting go takes place.
At the end of your run or cycling or swimming or whatever the feeling is just fantastic. Go for it.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Exercise is an important part of my life. I'm still doing it!
It's been a long time since I posted and I want to say a lot has happened since my last post.
The main thing is, I am still exercising! If you have experienced a lapse in your routine, take a few minutes to write down what caused you to stop. Write down the challenges, the ideas and thoughts, the feelings you had and what was going on in your life that contributed to you stopping your exercise routine.
Maybe it was a health issue, a time issue -- whatever, just write it down.
Then, write the affirmation above as many times as you feel like and exercise today.
It's been over four years since I posted here, and I've had my struggles with staying in shape, but at the very least I've walked regularly. I encourage you to move your body today, and enjoy it.
It's been a long time since I posted and I want to say a lot has happened since my last post.
The main thing is, I am still exercising! If you have experienced a lapse in your routine, take a few minutes to write down what caused you to stop. Write down the challenges, the ideas and thoughts, the feelings you had and what was going on in your life that contributed to you stopping your exercise routine.
Maybe it was a health issue, a time issue -- whatever, just write it down.
Then, write the affirmation above as many times as you feel like and exercise today.
It's been over four years since I posted here, and I've had my struggles with staying in shape, but at the very least I've walked regularly. I encourage you to move your body today, and enjoy it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)