"Finding your fit" is easier than you may think. The term fitness means different things to different people. For me, it’s simply finding the thing that makes you move your body. My participants are used to me saying, "whatever gets you up off the couch."
Fitness = The condition of being physically fit and healthy.
For some people, fitness means a gym membership, pumping iron, group classes, and trendy workout clothes. Those people are finding it hard to keep up with their fitness right now because of current restrictions or their own comfort level in the midst of (you know what). And those who are used to activities like dancing, pickleball, or any other indoor activity for their fitness are also feeling a bit lost right now.Some people are literally experiencing the Covid “19” (think Freshman 15). They have lost mojo and gained weight. Still, others seem to be finally finding the time and energy to “find their fit” around the house! They are setting new goals and creating a fitness routine that they can do, instead of focusing on what they cannot do! Maybe that is you! If not, our Personal Trainers can provide plenty of ideas! But for now, how about you dust off that Total Gym you bought on QVC years ago, or take the clothes off that treadmill-turned-closet, or if you are around my age, find those old Richard Simmons, “Sweating to the Oldies” or Jane Fonda aerobics videos? My point is, there’s never been a better time to "find your fit"...so start looking!
My husband, Jack found his fit as an avid runner, and that love is shared by our son, Chad, and his oldest daughter, Isabella. This love of running has always confounded me. I just don’t get it! Jack would talk about the “runner’s high” he experiences; just him and the open road. Running is definitely not my thing, in fact, if you see me running, you’d better take off because something bad is happening! But seriously, I love that he loves it, or I should say loved it until his joints didn’t appreciate a good run as much as he did. He is now into battle ropes and kettlebells, yet another form of fitness that I do not get! I could take a knee out with that kettlebell, and the ropes, well, not my thing either.So, what is your thing, you ask? My “thing” is walking. It is something I learned to do when I was about 2 years old, and I have been doing it now for nearly 60 years since. I’m actually pretty good at it! In fact, I can do it anywhere – inside, outside, on a trail, in a mall, on a sidewalk, or in my air-conditioned workout room. You see, I bought a treadmill at a garage sale for $75 years ago and that thing is still giving me hours and hours of fitness. I found my fit!I especially like walking to music (loudly). I have even created routines and “moves” for my personal enjoyment! I dance/walk my way into my day every morning. I set out my shoes, socks, clothes (nothing trendy), and when the alarm goes off, I suit up and head to the basement, turn on the tunes, and off I go. The faster the beat of the music, the faster I go, and the more movement I incorporate. The slower the music, the slower I go, but I still use my upper body or hand weights. I walk or run to the beat of the music. (Side note: I can walk backward and sideways, too, but you may want to leave these trick moves to the experienced treadmiller, and I should admit that I have fallen off before!)
Most people get around 3000-4000 steps a day just doing household chores, checking the mailbox, and grocery shopping, so if you would add another 4,000-6,000 steps you could increase your health benefits drastically! Try to do more than a leisurely stroll after establishing the habit and add time to your walk as you build strength. Start your goal at 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, and then move to 50 minutes a day, 5 or 6 days a week, and increase your pace as you feel ready.
Find your fit! Jack found his, I found mine, and you can find yours. And if you still aren’t convinced, here are some more reasons to find your FIT!
- Strength and health – use it or lose it!
- Supports the ligaments & tendons that support the bones (less injury)
- Strengthens the heart (pumps blood and oxygen to all muscles)
- Increases energy (the more you move, the more energy to move!)
- Increases the number of white cells in the blood that fight infection.
- Increases metabolism (you burn more calories even when resting!)
- Curbs your appetite (mood issues = food cravings = weight gain)
- Improves circulation (blood flow to every organ)
- Improves sexual pleasure and performance
- Improves coordination and balance.
- Stimulates the release of the dopamine (the feel-good hormone)
- Reduces anxiety (boosts mood, calms worry and nervousness)
- Improves brain cells (better concentration, even after a short walk)
- Improves digestion and prevents constipation
- Improves sleep
- Improves overall wellness
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