By COURTNEY MONTGOMERY, SBJ Columnist
We can so easily get caught up in the results we want to see. We compare our bodies to others and think we should look like them and then shame ourselves for not “doing enough” to “look that good.”
What if we looked at exercise in a different way? What if we looked at it as a mood booster, a source of energy, a way to decrease stress and a way to take care of ourselves so we can take care of our families better? What if because of this our families wanted to then take care of themselves for the same reasons because they see you doing it and how it makes you feel?
Let’s exercise as a way to celebrate what our bodies can do, not as a punishment for what we ate. Results will come, but they need to come with a healthy mindset. If you shift your focus away from outward appearance and turn it to how awesome you will feel, it won’t feel like work or a chore. It will be life-giving. That’s sustainable. That’s the way to build new healthy habits.
What is one way you can get your body moving this week? What activities bring you joy?
Do something fun to get your body moving. Turn on some music and go for a walk or run, or join a gym that offers fitness classes where you can meet new people and hold each other accountable.
Here is a quick workout I challenge you to this week. The most important part: turn on your favorite playlist of music. How can anyone NOT work out to some good music?!
3 rounds, 30 seconds each exercise, repeat three times through – make sure to stretch at the end!
- Jog in place or run around the gym or your house
- Squats, holding weight; grab either one or two weights of choice to hold by your sides while you perform the squats
- Bicep curls; grab weights of choice, keep elbows right next to your ribcage as you curl
- Wall sits: find a wall, sit against the wall with knees at a 90-degree angle
- Plank hold; engage your core, keep back flat with your bottom down