At the end of my day while sitting down to unwind after hours on my feet, I went over all the things that I had accomplished and realized how far I had come with my fitness. My day started with a walk, run, and exercise routine, errands, and working from home from morning to early evening. By the end of my day I still had energy to enjoy my new hobby, pickleball. This is what I would consider my “conventional” weekly day, and it has taken me a little longer than eight years to arrive at this level of vitality and happiness.
Nine years ago I would have thought that this essay would be way easier to write than getting any type of cardio or strength training session done. Don't get me wrong, I’ve been surrounded by different sports and recreational activities all my life. For instance, I was involved in gymnastics and dance throughout my younger years. During college I played soccer with my university, and that’s also where I was introduced to juggling anD fell in love with Hula Hooping. Also, in my free time I would go hiking with my friends, which is one of my favorite activities still today.
But why am I writing this essay? Though I have been involved with physical activities my whole life, I’m not exempt from being out of shape or even in pain. Yes, I said PAIN. I’ve dealt with various aches and pains since years ago.
It was at 23 years old when I finally noticed it, but the pain may have been with me since my childhood. I can remember badly twisting my ankle as a very young girl in gymnastics. Also since I was young my right knee has caused me lots of problems, and was still interfering with my daily life movement and my passion, Hula Hooping. I began to pay attention to my body and acknowledge how I was feeling physically when I met Aaron (friend and healthy lifestyle coach).
When Aaron and I met he was finishing school as a strength coach and working as a personal trainer. Really, this was the first time I’d ever done organized exercise outside of sports. As we dated, we worked together on building our healthy lifestyles. Over the years we’ve discussed my injury history and other health concerns. He’s helped me analyze my movement and develop personal fitness and strength programs to enhance my quality of life. Helpful tips like, extra work on the leg with a weaker knee, or to slow myself down and learn from “the basics” of movement (foundational movements still are a crucial part of my evolution). Before, I did not know how disconnected from my body I was, nor the coordination, or my set of skills. Nothing could justify how hard it was for me to learn how to squat properly and without hurting myself. Learning to move my body correctly and, most importantly, without pain was and still is challenging, but it works. Over the course of the time I’ve learned to better understand my movements and appreciate being conscious of my thoughts and feelings when exercising.
Nowadays, I love hearing my own body through my breathing, specifically during uncomfortable moments like when I’m stretching or while running. After many internal fights with myself (and Aaron) here I am today; feeling better than in my early 20s! My right knee pain is gone, and I’ve not needed meds to take the medicines for it. If I start feeling the pain creep back, it's a great reminder to continue with my strength training program spiced up with other alternative medicine practices to get back to feeling better.
Exercising has helped me turn my life around in a great way. On this journey I have learned to enjoy every active moment as well as the ones that are not so active; when I need to take a break for a moment to heal, travel, or when taking on a new heavy workload– like toward the beginning of a new exercise program– I take it!. After a good break it is always great to come back recharged, and to be thankful for what I have in my present moment, and look forward to what I can achieve in the future if I continue prioritizing my health.
So, next time that you practice your exercise or if you’re thinking of starting your journey, allow yourself to appreciate the walk, run, bike ride or any other physical activity that you desire to perform. It may take a while to set up any type of new changes in your life, especially when talking about making exercise a habit, but once you find the right balance your body, mind, and life will improve.
If you would like to start your healthy lifestyle journey today, I will list Aaron's online programs-classes and other helpful sites that I've helped me to be more active and stay motivated. Good luck and don't forget to enjoy the ride!
Aaron's Body Awareness FREE virtual class
Aaron's Online Programs
Pickleball Strength Training Programs
Pickleball Scheduler. Find courts and people to play with!
Hike to Twin Lakes, CA Trail Finder
Hashtags: #balance #alternativemedicine #foundationalmovement #exercise #healthylifestyle #onlineprograms #physicalactivity #health #hiking #bemoreactive #bemorehappy #motivation
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