It’s easy to get overwhelmed when we first decide to begin a workout routine. Yoga or Crossfit? Barre Class or Body Pump? HIIT training or long distance running? The fitness industry, like the diet industry, seems to exist to confuse us. We often get caught up in finding the “perfect” solution. Today I invite you to give that search a rest. After ten years in the fitness industry I have come to one conclusion: it’s all good! Get out there and move!
Of course I am not suggesting that you take up kite boarding without seeking the assistance of a certified professional. It is always wise to learn the ins and outs of any form of exercise we are unfamiliar with before we try and attempt it solo. But don’t let fear hold you back from moving that bod. The greatest chance of injury stems from doing nothing. The less we move the more ailments crop up. The saying “sitting is he new smoking” has been all over the internet lately and with good reason. The more sedentary we become the more disease rates rise. Our bodies were meant to move, not sit in front of a computer for 8 hours a day.
If moving more sounds good to you but you don’t know where to begin, the following are a few suggestions:
-Track your steps: Aim for at least 10,000 a day. You can do this with most IPhones, a cheap pedometer, or, if you want to be fancy, an activity tracker like FitBit.
-Try a desk with a stand up option: Walk in place (a great way to get those steps in!), stretch, dance around. This works even better if your job requires lots of phone calls, standing up makes you sound more confident and commanding!
-If you must sit, drink lots of water: Not only will you be hydrated, you’ll have to get up more (to pee!)
-Take a walk with family, friends, or instead of having a sit-down meeting with a co-worker
-Have a dance party in your living room
-Chop vegetables
-Do yard work
-Clean the house
If you are someone who is into more formal exercise all the better! Shop around to find a class you enjoy or hook up with a trainer who inspires you. Most gyms allow for trial periods and most trainers will offer a free intro session to make sure you are a good match.
Why train you ask? Formal exercise gives us an hour where we are focused solely on how we are moving. When we are out in the real world we rarely think about proper mechanics, unless we are trained to. When we spend time paying attention to things like muscle groups and proper alignment we cultivate greater awareness of how to safely move our bodies. This awareness tends to trickle over into everyday life so we are less likely to get injured mowing the lawn or putting our toddler in his carseat.
Need some more inspiration to get your body moving? Click below: