Body Balance - The Movement Foundation
Being active is a very individual experience. In our second installment of Body Balance we explore the movement foundation.
Last week you started a journal exploring how you are feeling overall.
I would love for you to keep this going over the next three weeks to really get to know yourself. Review the first post on Body Balance here and find the questions.
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I wrote recently here on Life Labs about exploring what exercises, activities or sports you love. I suggested that we shouldn’t try to fit a square peg into a round hole.
What I mean is that not all new trendy exercise regimes will work for everyone. New research comes out every day but this doesn’t mean it will be a magic bullet for you.
We all have individual genes, likes/dislikes, setting preferences, activity accessibility and environmental factors adding to our daily body experiences.
Let’s explore what may work best for you.
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"We are meant to move."
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To feel fit and healthy we should move consistently and regularly in ways we enjoy.
We now know that this movement can come in any shape or form.
The points on the following list fall into these categories and all add up in our daily energy burning!
- Daily Active Living (Incidental movement)
- Formal workouts (gym, classes, sports etc.)
Any movement counts!
- Walk to work
- Move more in the office
- Go to an exercise class
- Lift some weights
- Swim
- Ride your bike to work
- Play a sport
- Gardening
- Playing with the kids
- Skiing
- Horseback riding
- Jog around the park
- Take the stairs
- Dance on the weekend
- Enjoy a yoga or pilates class
The list is endless because everyone likes something different. Any regular movement will help us to stay fit and healthy. Traditionally fitness professionals would counsel people to do at least 20 to 60 minutes to get any benefits but new research shows that even ten minutes of raised heart rate effort is beneficial. Even getting up from your desk more regularly contributes!
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“I believe the key to exercise is choosing what you love!”
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Ask yourself these questions today.
- What exercise have I done in the past where the time flies by?
- Which activities are easily accessible to me near my home or work?
- Do I like being in a social setting when exercising?
- Am I happiest in a group or individual activity?
- Are sports my bag or individual endeavours?
- Do I enjoy being challenged when moving or just being in the moment and feeling my body?
- Where is my happy place – inside or outside?
- Do I like chatting with a pal while moving or being in my own head?
- What was my happiest moving memory?
The answers to these questions will help you realise where and how you love to move.
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Here is a guide to help you focus in on what type of exerciser you are or want to be.
- Group or individual
- Competitive or non-competitive
- Outdoor or indoor
- Creative (self-motivated) or Guided (led by a professional)
Remember….don’t try to fit a square peg into a round hole!
Discover your round pegs and slide them into their happy place!
And some last movement inspiration with words that describe how our bodies are capable of moving. Try them today!
Read the next post in this series The Food Foundation
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Want to learn more about how to plan for your exercise?
Get my…
EBOOK – Simple Healthy Living – A Guide for Busy People
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Prefer to explore this with your team in a corporate setting?
BOOK ME in for an interactive, informative and fun Corporate Wellness Workshop.
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Get in touch!
I would love to know how you are doing over the coming weeks.....
Chat with me on twitter - facebook - instagram
Let's have some fun!!!
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