Exercise has become a scary word for many people. It is often associated with torturous hours on the treadmill or tripping over ones own feet in a class where everyone else seems to know the moves. It is no wonder so many people find it difficult to get motivated to exercise. Simply knowing it is good for you is not enough. To discover the kind of motivation that comes from within and lasts, follow these three guidelines: find the joy in exercise, incorporate it into your life in a way that complements not complicates it, and change the way you think about exercise.
Jumping for Joy!
Eight years ago, while working with a personal training client (let’s call her Hanna), I suggested she integrate some running into her fitness plan. In a hushed voice with eyes downcast, Hanna confided that since having her second child she could no longer run because her bladder was too weak. She was only in her mid thirties. I was perplexed; wasn’t this as a problem for older adults? At the time, I was three months pregnant with my first child and feared the possibility that I could be doomed to the same fate.
The Race that Wasn’t
It had been four months since I last raced and the itch to commit to something had grown incessant. Following the lead of my running partner, Erin, I signed up for the Santa Cruz Mountains 21K, a trail race from Harvey West, through Pogonip, and deep into Henry Cowell, with two waist-deep river crossings.
Your 8-year-old Can Run a Marathon
Every child should have the opportunity to experience the sense of pride that comes with physical accomplishment. While not every kid will excel at sports such as baseball, soccer or football, all able-bodied kids can run. And most love it.
As writer Christopher McDougal says, “We are born to run.” He describes running as “mankind’s first art, our original first act of inspired creation, … combining our breath and mind and muscles into fluid self-propulsion.”
Jump-start January resolutions
It may feel early to begin thinking about your New Year’s resolutions, but now is the perfect time to take action and set your self up for success. By choosing a fitness plan now, you will beat the January rush, have first pick of the services available, and can relax in knowing that you are locked in to start the new year off right. This seemingly daunting task will feel easy and approachable when you follow these simple steps.
