This morning, my husband Kevin and I went for a run. Our toddler and baby buckled in their double stroller, we started with a walk to warm up and then did a bit of interval jogging down a beautiful trail that has a view of a lake.
After our work out, I felt absolutely amazing. I went about my day with more energy and motivation. I had a smile on my face and just felt so refreshed.
Disclaimer: By no means am I any kind of fitness enthusiast! In fact, after having two children I’m currently in the worst shape of my life! So don’t think I felt so amazing because I’m some kind of athlete who actually enjoys running! Ha! To be honest, I halfheartedly jogged for a total of 8 minutes split into 8 segments with walking and panting in between… lol.
Importance of fitness
It seems counter-intuitive that exerting yourself would result in increased energy. Especially when you’re out of shape. You’d think that exercise would make you feel tired, but research shows a boost of energy from a regular fitness routine, even if you’re a normally sedentary person who struggles with fatigue!
A study published in the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics in 2008 by the University of Georgia proved that chronic exercise gave beneficial effects on feelings of energy. (Psychother Psychosom. 2008;77(3):167-74. doi: 10.1159/000116610. Epub 2008 Feb 14.)
Even for sedentary adults, low-intensity exercise creates positive change in energy levels and in lowering fatigue. Not only do our bodies benefit from a little bit of fitness, but also our minds and our moods.
Everything Works
My brother gave me some fitness advice years ago that has stuck with me.
“Everything works,” he said.
It doesn’t matter whether you go for walks around the block or spend an hour doing high intensity aerobics. Sure, different exercises will have varying effects on your health and your body, and there may be certain types of exercise that are better for your fitness level, weight loss or strength and flexibility, but if you choose to do a work out that you don’t enjoy, will you actually do it consistently? If you struggle with the motivation to do those types of exercises, are you gaining any benefits at all?
It’s a little bit like the old adage, “A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush.” An easy work out accomplished regularly is better than an intense work out avoided and procrastinated!
Find something you enjoy
Find something that you ENJOY! There are so many different types of work outs. So many ways to move your body and increase your heart rate! And the benefit of enjoying it is that you’ll actually do it and possibly even look forward to it!
If you’re thinking you can’t think of any exercises that you enjoy doing, you might need to try out a few different kinds and see how you feel. In the last few years I’ve tried a huge variety of workouts, but there are still so many I would love to try out.
Here are a few ideas…
- Walk/Jog/Run – I like adding a sight seeing component to this to keep it interesting. There are so many gorgeous trails where I live that it’s easy to find a trail with a view of the ocean or lakes. Make a list of the most beautiful tourist destinations in your town or check out your local visitors centre which would have maps of places to explore.
- Hiking/Rock Climbing – A steep incline increases the heart rate and also usually ends with a great view as well! It can be exhilarating to breathe in the fresh air at the top of a mountain and know that you accomplished a difficult climb.
- At home workouts – Lacking motivation to leave the house? There are tons of resources you can find online: videos on YouTube, apps with workout routines, etc… Works great while the kids are napping, or let your little ones join in on the fun! My toddler loves watching mommy exercise and he joins right in with the jumping and even burpees!
- Gym – If you like using the workout machines, go for it! I am not a fan of keeping track of sets and reps and weights, but if it works for you, have at ‘er!
- Exercise classes – Many gyms have classes that are fun and have the added motivation of a group of people all doing the same workout. Find one that fits your personality! Anything from spinning to Zumba, aqua fit to boot camp… Inviting a friend adds some fun and accountability. I’ve even done a “diaper fit” class (like aqua fit but with my baby floating beside me) and my son loved it.
- Competitive sports – If you’re the competitive type, why not join a local sports team or a drop in game? It’s a fun way to meet people and a competition is great for motivation.
- Fitness events – Having a goal to work towards can give you that perseverance and vision to accomplish your objectives. It could be a 5k race, a triathlon, or even a fun run. Find a group of friends or even co-workers to train together for a set date. This is one idea I haven’t tried yet, but I’m hoping to soon. I’m not the tough mudder type (I don’t find being electrocuted very fun…) but our city has a “foam run” with inflatable slides and an insane amount of bubbles to run through. Sounds like a good clean fun to me! 😛
What types of work outs have you enjoyed? Leave me a comment below! I’d love to get some more ideas!
A note before starting any type of physical exercise routine… Don’t injure yourself! Don’t push yourself too far right away. Doing too much all at once can set you back even further. Talk to your doctor about what might be a good starting point for you and then work up slowly. Pace yourself!