Obviously the world around us fixates on routine and identity- pick something and stick to it. A vocation, a gender, a home, a hobby, a new years resolution, anything you want as long as you proclaim it and stand proud. And there is nothing wrong with standing by your decisions. I, however, have learned that the opposite rings true when it comes to exercise. Don’t stick with one thing. Variety is the key.
I do love the benefits of pushing body physically. Sleep comes easily on the days I exercise. I burn extra calories so I can eat the enjoyables. My normally tight neck and shoulders feel more stretched and relaxed. My mental outlook tends more toward the positive than the negative. Walking distances and taking stairs prove much less daunting. And I love the idea of keeping somewhat limber as I get older.
BUT…even though I very much enjoy exercise, but I am not a die hard. I don’t love it while I am am doing it. Exercise ceases to exist while I am on vacation. I don’t go out in sub zero temperatures just to get it in. And yes, there are days when I know I should get some exercise in and I just don’t feel like it, so I don’t. And there are long periods of time, weeks, months, that I don’t do much exercise because I am just physically and emotionally burned out on it. I am here to tell you…I have learned that is OK!
Vary Exercise
When it comes to me and exercise, variety is the spice. I have to vary how much and what kind of exercise I do to stay motivated. I cannot pick one kind and stick with it for years and years. It doesn’t work for me. I get bored, down in the dumps, and dread it even more than usual. I have to do major switch ups here and there. And the switch ups bring renewed joy, excitement, and motivation. Here is my exercise history.
I Fall Back to Jogging
My fall back exercise for years- jogging. I started jogging in late high school, again in college and again in my thirties, at which point I step it up to running in 5k races. Running often all over our small town to train, I keep track of my time in order to improve. I am never very fast, but just want personal gains. My husband often jogged with me which helps my motivation. That few years was a great exercise era! But after several years of this, I grow mentally stagnant, not able to keep up the pace. Running brings more stress than benefits, so I back off. The pounds start clinging to my hips and I decide it is time to move into another form of exercise.
The Zumba Era
So, on to ZUMBA! Someone starts a ZUMBA class, which is dancing to Latin music, at the church across the street from my house, and I proclaim this is the program for me! And I LOVE it! The music is exhilarating, the moves super fun, the people fantastic. For a couple of years I wander over several times a week to burn off stress and calories in a creative way. I thought this would be my exercise answer for life. But once again, after a few years, monotony rears its ugly head.
Me? Kick Boxing?
I fall back to jogging on the treadmill and outside while looking for my next exercise adventure. One day my neighbor suggests the fitness center in town, and even offers to pay for me to attend in exchange for some help with her photography business. I jump on it and soon am going to 163 Fitness 2-3 times per week. Get this, I can kick box! I love the variety they offer! They have me lifting weights, floor exercises, doing sit ups on the exercise ball and kick boxing all in one session. And every session is different! I could go morning or evening, however many times a week I want. What could be better? After many months of this my hips started acting up, so now I am attending their PIYO class whenever I can. It is a combination of Pilates and Yoga, and I love the stretch it gives my arms, legs and torso, with low impact on my joints. This is what I need to do for now, along with jogging on the treadmill here and there.
Don’t Stress It
So when it comes to exercise, you don’t necessarily need to “stick to it.” In fact I recommend you don’t! Shake it up! Do what you need to do to keep it fresh and interesting. Just keep moving! I figure if I am making an effort to take care of my body consistently and genuinely, I will benefit from whatever activity I choose. My main goal is to keep my muscles loose and stretched, and my heart strong and healthy. Maybe this kind of loosey goosey regiment is good for you too? Don’t stress it. Just modify it!
Who knows what my next exercise adventure will be?! And that’s the way I like it.
