Athleticism and fitness have always been a top priority in my lifestyle. Beginning in my toddler years, my mom placed my sister and me in gymnastics, which I carried on trying a couple forms of dance and in later years would try out for cheerleading. In 7th grade I joined track and was actually good. Too bad I had discovered smoking with the group of kids I was strongly influenced by at the time. The habit, and the “image” that came with it, took precedence over me developing a new skill or talent. Ultimately, I lacked the confidence and self-discipline necessary to accomplish the dreams and goals I had laid out for myself. Something similar happened to playing violin and learning French as well.
Maintaining a healthy level of fitness in today's society can be difficult. We can accomplish about 80% of our daily tasks with some sort of mechanical assistance or short cut. Basic housekeeping used to push a person up to a couple hours of cardio alongside the use of modern appliances. Cooking too.
Today everything is automated and becoming robotic. It frightens me a bit that it’s become part of my daughters’ natural instincts to turn things on and off with their voices. This act alone removes the need to get up for lights, remotes, or even coming to me for something... they just holler and demand it of me like a robot. Being human, my body is capable of some amazing things like cartwheels, healing itself, and growing beautiful hair and nails that I love to pamper. But if unkempt and uncared for, can break-down, get rusty, and become a useless machine.
I personally love fitness, specifically weight training. For me it’s meditative...music playing into my ears, under the sound of heavy, controlled breathing, counting...1...2...3...4. A natural high filled with empowerment rests on me as I can feel my muscles working and building strength. This sensation reminds me that my body, my life, and my human experience are precious and delicate. Yet, strong and powerful forces of energy lay in wait under my skin.
In strength training, when your muscles feel like they’ve been pushed to the limit and maybe even tore a bit, your magical human body gets to work. After rest, your muscles will have been repaired, enlarged, and strengthened to prepare you for future endurance. You feel it immediately before, during, and definitely after a workout if done properly. Muscle recovery and mental wellness are a lot like this in that way.
The more you move your body on a regular basis, the better you’ll feel. Dancing, running, or playing with your kids once a day will boost your energy and mood with endorphins. Most of us know this already, but it clearly doesn't make performing the actual exercise any more appealing. So, what does?
Your children can honestly become your best supporters and accountability partner. My daughters regularly request an adorable yoga show on YouTube. I enjoy it as well and often do it with them. For more ideas (without uttering, Baby Shark dance party), sit somewhere comfy together and make a list of high-intensity activities you can do as a family. This is great because you can get an update on what your kids are interested in and intrigued by. And, you’ll have a little idea board for when everyone is actually... bored.
Mindful Minute:
- What are your personal visions for your physical self?
- Do you have inspiration for your goals?
- Are your goals realistic and attainable in the timetable you wish to achieve them?
- List some athletic activities you enjoy or want to try. Include solo and family activities.
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