Simplify Movement
It really is overwhelming to think about how much information is out there about exercise. And a lot of it is conflicting! So many gyms to join, classes to explore, and virtual groups to try. What’s a girl to do? Sell everything she owns to afford Pilates everyday? Pace back and forth every night to hit the step count? If you are anything like me, you have probably gotten decision fatigue at points and given up on having any kind of routine in your movement. I have loved exercise since college when I started teaching workout classes, but it turns out it is a lot harder to be consistent when you aren’t getting paid to work out (and instead are getting paid to do something exhausting that is not exercising for 40-60 hours a week).
As conflicting as all the info about exercise and moving our bodies is, there is one thing that tends to hold true: we gotta do it. We have to move our bodies in order to keep them healthy.
After trying to many different things (include becoming addicted to hot yoga in those cold Wisconsin winters), I have found that it is so very helpful to break exercise down into categories like a personal trainer would break down a workout. These categories include:
Stretching
Stretch in the morning. Just do it. I know that is an annoying thing to say, but start with just reaching up to the sky and touching your toes every morning. You can build on that to do a quick 5 minutes every morning. I promise it will change the way you feel.
Core
All of these categories are important as we age, but this one is so pivotable. Not a single one of us needs a six-pack, but having a strong core can help us with our balance and help keep our necks and backs happier as we get older. And fear not! I have some favorite core exercises that don’t involve a single crunch!
Strength
If you want to be a body builder, there are so many awesome places for you to explore, but this isn’t it. However, who doesn’t want to be strong? Burning fat and building muscle makes our bodies feel better, and it also helps us be able to move furniture without having to wait for help!
LISS Cardio
My favorite! This is low-intensity, steady state cardio. This is all the running and walking and step class and hot yoga and those bungee classes and biking and swimming. These are all the fun things that count as exercise. My top choice is walking, but I’m trying to run more because I feel like college Melissa when I run!
HIIT Cardio
My least favorite! But it’s also important! This is high-intensity interval training. The focus is getting the heartrate up further than it gets with LISS. However, the moves that get you there are also really good for balance and agility, which help you be able to chase your kids around or dodge someone getting there LISS bicycling in on the wrong side of the street!
Soooooo…….I said that this collective was all about simplifying things, including movement, and what I just laid out seems like just another list of things to try, but it is not! It is a way to reframe what your body needs, and then choose things in that category that you love, have time for, and are within your budget. I’ve got lots of ideas that I will be sharing in this collective!
Come again!