Today I want to talk about exercise. Let’s move to it!
Our society tells us we should exercise to change our body. Workouts with names like “sculpt”, “burn”, “shape”. For those who are looking for body change, they might start off exercising intensely, but then if their shape or weight doesn’t change as much as they think it should, they stop. Or, if an exercise program is started at the same time as a restrictive diet, it can really backfire – less calories = less energy = lowered ability for your body to handle exercise.
There are so many other reasons to exercise!
(Note: I know the word “exercise” can be triggering to some, so if it bothers you, just replace it with “movement.” Moving is such an integral part of our life!)
I’ve exercised pretty regularly since my senior year in high school, but I am definitely not a sports person for a few reasons.
- No coordination – My volleyball coach in junior high actually talked to my mom to have me start playing video games to improve my hand-eye coordination.
- Too much pressure – not good for my type 6 need for security
I like activities that allow me to challenge myself, either alone or part of a group. Strength training, group fitness classes; don’t run anymore, but I have liked to in the past. Maybe one day again…
Exercise After Baby
After my 3rd baby was born this summer, I realized how much I needed exercise to keep sane. The newborn days (and nights) are rough. At about 8 weeks, my sister came over and offered to watch the baby while I took some time ALONE to exercise. With 8 weeks of just sitting so much to nurse, my body was itching to MOVE.
When I was done, I was in a better headspace, full of energy (at least as full as I could be at 8 weeks postpartum), had a spring in my step. She and the baby and I planned to go to lunch afterwards, so I went to change.
That’s when I was shocked that I still needed to wear my maternity pants. Not really *shocked,* but I felt so good on the inside – more like my old self, that I guess I figured that everything else would have been like my “old self” as well.
Pant situation notwithstanding, we went out for an enjoyable lunch and baby slept the whole time!
It was then that I realized that I needed exercise even if it didn’t help my body “bounce back” to pre-pregnancy shape or size.
I need exercise to…
- clear my head
- relieve stress
- sleep better
- have more energy
- lug all the baby stuff around
Exercise and Independence
Exercise is so important as we age, as well. Strength training builds muscle and bone density, which will keep us independent as we get older. Cardiovascular fitness helps a healthy heart and when we are running around chasing our kids or chasing our dreams.
Let me know:
Why do you exercise? What are your favorite ways to exercise? Would you do it even if there was no chance it would change how your body looks?