Find YOUR Fit

So, there are 4 different types of exercise and you can read about them here.  They include Stretching, Strength Training, Aerobics, and Balance.  They are all equally important and Harvard can tell you all about why, but what I want to talk to you about today is finding what works best for YOU.

Some people LOVE running while others LOATH it and often the thought is that we SHOULD like something because we believe it is good for us; but that doesn't really help so much with actually getting on the treadmill...

So, let's take a moment and reflect on activities that we DO like, maybe things we have done in the past as kids or something we saw in the park and it sparked a bit of curiosity.  Next let's take the judgement out of it.  There is a lot of pressure to do what someone (or an inner voice) tells us to do and we need to take the time to allow ourselves to observe outside of any judgement that may be passing through.  If it does pop up, "oh come on, that's ridiculous, there's no way you can do that," just recognize it for what it is and allow it to move on along.

Next, let's at the same time, be open to all the possibilities.  For instance, I seriously disliked Yoga for YEARS, that is until I got real darn sick with Lyme.  Now, my case was no walk in the park and I'm still working on rebuilding my immune system and while I can exercise quite a bit now, running and biking are still out.  Last winter I was still feeling a bit under the weather but not so much that I felt I could just forgo all exercise so I dipped my toe into Yoga again.  It has been life changing.  My body is so much stronger and my mind is really feeling the perks as well.  Something that I once avoided has become my hands down go to.

Now that we are allowing ourselves to dream a bit, removing the judgement (yes, yes you can start practicing the circus arts and no, people are not going to think you're crazy, trust me.), and being open to things even if you think you might not like them; let's look at some choices!  

You have Choices in Movement:
*Running
*Biking
*Yoga
*Pilates
*Weight Training
*Personal Training (make it what you love!)
*HIIT
*Gardening, yes, I said gardening, do it right and it absolutely counts
*Skiing
*Rollerblading
*Swimming
*Online Classes of all kinds (there's nothing like working out in the comfort of your own home)

When you are trying to decide how best to become active, be gentle with yourself, be kind, release judgement, and go slow.  It's all a process and it can be an enjoyable one if you let it!

Keep me posted!  What exercise styles or classes have you tried?  Do  you think you've found something you love?!