Why should you simplify? Life, in general, is so complicated. Between schedules, families, activities, and obligations, we are pulled in multiple directions all day long. In order to maintain some level of sanity (whatever that means!), simplifying certain areas of our life provides us with calm, predictable stability.
Including movement in your daily habits provides many health benefits. From improved memory and metabolism to better sleep and increased energy, something as simple as a 15 minute walk can increase the quality AND quantity of your days.
You’ve probably heard it all - do CrossFit, lift weights, go running, get a Peloton, go to Zumba, join Orangetheory. Practically everyone you talk to will have the “perfect workout plan”. It may be the perfect plan for them, but what is the perfect plan for you??
The simple answer - the plan you will stick to. The plan you enjoy. The plan that give you results, makes you feel good, and fits into your schedule. If you don’t have easy access to a pool, making a swimming-based workout plan will not be sustainable and you will be setting yourself up for failure. Don’t do that!
Any movement is ALWAYS better than no movement. So, even if all you can muster up is a 5 minute walk around the block or a quick dance party to your favorite jam, it’s still 5 more minutes than you would get otherwise.
I am a big fan of functional movement. I love bodyweight workouts (you can find tons of them for free on YouTube). You can do them anywhere and you don’t need any fancy equipment. If you have a body, you can do a bodyweight workout - there are ALWAYS modifications for every fitness level. But if you want to add a little weight to your routine, my favorite accessory is my EmPack. It is a backpack that holds reservoirs filled with water. It can weigh anywhere from 15-60lbs (depending on how many reservoirs you add), and is super comfortable. I use mine as a weighted ruck-pack when I go walking/hiking with my dogs. I also use it as a weight for squats, lunges, core work, and upper body/chest exercises. Rather than needing an entire room of weights and equipment, I only need one thing (remember, this is a post about simplifying!).
What is one way that you can include movement into your day? Remember, keep it simple!
Don’t wait one more day to start living the awesome life you deserve.
“Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional, and mental states.”