The Truth About Working Out
With 97,000 pieces of advice about working out floating around, it can get confusing on what is actually true. But before we dive into that, let’s start with the truth about the term “working out”. Sometimes “working out” and “exercise” get a bad wrap, and people associate these terms with, well, let’s be honest- torture! The last thing you want is to feel this way about moving your body. Instead, let’s refer to “working out” as movement, because- that’s what it is! Exercise is simply moving your body, and exerting energy. It can feel amazing, and is amazing for your body, your mental health, and all aspects of your life.
Now that we’ve got the correct term, let’s figure out how you can move your body. To start, reflect on these questions:
What do I want to feel today?
What does my body feel like doing today?
What will give me the optimal amount of energy I need?
What will I enjoy?
You’ll also want to realize these truths:
1.It’s not about punishing yourself
2. It’s not about “making up” for the treats you had the day before
3. It’s not about overtraining beating your body into submission
4. It’s not about burning calories
5. It’s not about losing weight
The key to movement, and creating a sustainable movement routine is finding the type that feels right for you, and provides you the energy and endorphins that make your life better- not worse! It will remain sustainable when you keep your beliefs rooted in these truths about movement, and start focusing on the benefits of exercise, rather than the expectation of how it could shift your body to the composition you think you’re “supposed to have”. It’s also important to be flexible with yourself, and with the movement you do. Break the routine and rigidity, try new things, and explore new options!
The truth is, movement is individual. It starts with asking yourself these questions, and then the next step is trial and error. You might find you love running, piyo, and dancing, but don’t enjoy biking or cross fit. You might love group fitness, and hate the elliptical, or vice versa! The point is, there is no right or wrong way to move your body. The truth is, the movement you’ll stick with is the one that makes you feel good, and the one that you enjoy. Movement can release stress, help you focus, bring you energy, and help you think more clearly. You can be flexible with the type of movement you do, and shake it up based on how your body is feeling and what it’s needing each day! The truth is, you’ll thrive when you listen to your body, discover what you love, give your body the permission to be flexible with your plan, and truly find joy in moving your body.