Get Physical!

And yes, you can do it to an Olivia Newton John song! But more importantly, you can get physical in your life. Winter is finally past – the weather is turning balmy. No more hibernating!

The time has come to get out there and move your body. And before you doubt whether or not you have the time or money to invest, I have awesome news: exercise requires much less time than you think, and it doesn’t need to break your budget.

It’s natural to become less active in winter: between the cold and the lack of sun, we often hide out. But as spring brings us fragrant showers and extended daylight, the desire to get out and move increases. So take advantage of this energy, and let’s talk about movement!

Too tired to exercise? If you are feeling low on energy, investigate some meditative practices, like yoga or Tai Chi. Exercise isn’t only about getting your heart rate up. It’s about moving your body, stretching your limbs, and feeling lighter in spirit. There are many different kinds of yoga, countless brands of meditation, so consider what might work best for you. And if the price seems prohibitive, check out your local YMCA, recreational center, and even your local yoga loft. Many of them offer discounts; some offer free or low-fee classes with new teachers. Online options abound, so you can enjoy your practice at home for a fraction of the cost.

Ready to get muscled up? The new craze in fitness is Crossfit. While it’s a company name, Crossfit is also a culture of people looking to get strong while enjoying a social environment. It’s not for those who don’t want to work hard: every workout will push you harder than anything you’ve ever experienced before.  But workouts are done in a group, with a leader. And the end results are amazing. Crossfit gyms are located all over the United States, and you might be surprised to find one very close to you. They are not traditional gyms, so I suggest visiting one before signing up. Crossfit-like gyms are popping up as well, and they have similar workouts, but are often less expensive.

Prefer to tighten, tone, and have fun doing it? Group fitness may be the ticket! If you like to dance, there’s Zumba. If self-defense has been your passion, check out kickboxing. If you like to try something new every week, investigate the many classes that are on the schedule at your local gym. And if getting out to the gym isn’t a possibility for you right now, videos are available online for a small fee. And if the quality of the video isn’t a big deal, YouTube has many free videos that you can browse.

Wanna go it old-school? Bodyweight exercises, walking, and running are great ways to move the body. Walking can be just as valuable as running for your heart health and body movement. And using only your bodyweight to train your muscles can be surprisingly effective. Skip the gym – you can keep your body in top shape at home! Check out Zuzka Light and You Are Your Own Gym author Mark Lauren for ideas on what might work best for you.

Belonging to a gym is not a requirement for health, but moving your body and maintaining your flexibility is. You don’t have to spend hours every day working out – short, effective routines can be just as valuable. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s fun! When we enjoy exercise, we’re more likely to do it. So try some different classes, discover what works best for you, and come back and let us know what you love!

Ally Bishop

Contributing Writer