A Journey to Wellness~ Movement

 

I wrote about food last week and now it’s time to shake your groove thang…

And…the easiest way to explain this is- start from where you are. I have watched far too many people walk into the gym on January 1 to never see them again. If you get winded climbing a flight of stairs then your first goal should be to climb those stairs and NOT be winded. If you walk into a gym and decided you want to run a 5k but have no clue what a 5k is- you need to re-evaluate your goals.

When I started getting healthy I was recovering from back surgery and had gained 35lbs from being stagnate. I didn’t want to run a 5k. I didn’t want to run, period. What I did want was to be able to walk through the grocery store without needed to sit down. I needed to rebuild my strength and stamina. My goals were small and achievable. I started from where I was. As I got stronger my goals changed. I never said, “I want to lose 50lbs!” Nope. What I said was, “I want to start with 5 and go from there.” It is easier to succeed with smaller set goals than a massive goal that looms over you.

Remember, you didn’t gain weight overnight so you will not lose it overnight. It takes time and effort. And, in the beginning, it takes a partner. I’ll be honest with you, I wouldn’t have gone to the gym if it weren’t for the Hubs. He was my partner. He motivated me and pushed me and taught me the things I needed to know. I became accountable to him. It became our thing. It was part of our evening ritual. Over time I managed to get myself into a good groove and feel good going without him. He does his thang and I do mine, but we still go together from time to time.

Having someone to hold your feet to the fire, in the beginning, is good motivation. The key is finding someone who will be dedicated to pushing you. Not someone who isn’t motivated to help you or themselves.

Do you have to go to the gym? NO. There are tons of things you can do in your own home or outside. I refuse to use the treadmill at the gym because I can walk around the block or go to the park or even hike. Why would I pay to walk on a machine that is getting me nowhere? I also refuse to do sit-ups or push-ups at the gym for two reasons:

• #1 I can do them at home for free.
• #2 You are literally in the way of everyone else trying to use equipment while you are laying on the floor. Ridiculous.                                                                                        Google exercises to do at home. Pinterest has TONS of things you can do in the privacy of your room, but…will you do them if no one is holding you accountable?

You have to be smart about exercise. I know you want what you want and you want it now, but it doesn’t work like that. Don’t overdo it or you will quit. You should feel sore after your first few workouts, but you shouldn’t be in pain. It’s the pain that stops people from pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Low and slow is your moto in the beginning. Take your time and keep your weights and reps low.

LADIES- YES!!!! You can lift weights and not look like Thor. You are female. You do not have the testosterone levels necessary to bulk-up like Dwayne Johnson. Will you become stronger, more defined, and lose weight…YUP.

To look like Dwayne, it takes time, effort, and a mass amount of dedication. I’m not that dedicated…to anything…period.

When you are ready to start moving, work on this format- 2 on 1 off. That’s work out for two days and take a day off and repeat. Your body will need recovery time. That’s that sore stuff I was talking about. Yes, you will be sore, but you can work through it. If you are sore the morning of day 2, take some ibuprofen and workout. It will help. I promise it is worth it.

I didn’t start this journey to be a certain size or fit into a pair of jeans. I did this because I want a future that has me in it doing things and enjoying life. I want to dance at my daughter’s wedding and play with my grandsons. I want to ride bikes with my husband and stop and have random picnics on off the beaten path places. Now, to be honest, I was thrilled when I lost 40 lbs, but my world did not hinge on that happening. When I did a 30-mile bike ride- that impressed me.

So, start from where you are. Set reachable goals. Set more reachable goals. Keep going. Keep shining and live life to the fullest. It’s not about size. You see, according to those BMI charts that everyone basis their ideal body type on, I am 30+lbs overweight. But, according to my doctor- because I am healthy, active, and much stronger, he is thrilled with my weight. I will never be a size 6. I will never weigh 119 lbs again, and I don’t want too. I’m good where I am and where I am going.

Wanna come? Let’s go for a bike ride!

After that- we will rest.

Rest is important. I’m not just talking sleep. This is the day-off I mentioned earlier. Your body needs time to recuperate from the physical activities you have been doing. When you first start this journey, your recovery time will be more necessary than someone like me. I can go 3 days on 1 day off without issue. I have gone so far as 5 on 2 off. Just listen to your body. You need rest and recovery time. Don’t shortchange yourself.

I hope this helps you all get moving and doing and enjoying the world around you.

Find joy. Be joy. Enjoy!

***Comments or question? You know what to do…