I am majorly in need of more exercise in my life. I need it for weight loss, but I need it so much more for my mental health. Why is it that we spend so much time and energy on the things that aren’t good for us and avoiding the things that we know will make us feel good? Eating a bit less…getting out for a walk…Taking an extra 15 minutes to spending quietly…taking a few extra deep breaths…
I’m realizing more and more that so many things are tied to this all or nothing obsession with things being perfect. This applies so much to exercise. I have this idea in my mind that I need to run and I need to do intense workouts and it all just seems so overwhelming. So what do I do? Nothing! Literally. Yes, I do need the big workouts. But I also need ANY movement of my body!
So, as I was blog hopping, I found this post by simpledaisy and this quote really sparked something for me:
“A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world.” ~ Paul Dudley White
SO TRUE. So so so true. I love the word “vigorous” in there. It conveys strength and energy and just taking a huge deep breath – all of the things that we need to gain from exercise and using our bodies. I spend my time not exercising and not just moving my body nearly enough out of the {ridiculous} fear of not being capable of doing the unrealistic goals I have in my mind when I could simply be taking a walk daily and doing something more than nothing!
So, I’m setting a goal of getting out for a walk every single day. Even if it’s 10 minutes to take my kids to the park and back or just go around the block, it will be fresh air and good for me mentally and physically. Plus, we all know that the biggest challenge is taking the first step. Getting out there every day inevitably leads to increasingly more steps and more energy and it can just potentially snowball from there into incredible workouts.
First, though, I just need to go for a walk. One step at a time.
6 Responses to “I Need to Move My Body More”
I started out walking 10 minutes a day on the treadmill (I was over the weight limit, by, oh, 60 lbs) and was horribly sweaty and breathless by the time I was done.
But! It’s shocking how fast you make progress.
You’re right to start small – just keep trying and you’ll get there!
Tara´s last blog ..Over the Hills and Far Away
You have the right attitude, just one step at a time. I started back walking this week and I’e felt so much better. I must admit, it was hard at first because I hadn’t done it in a while. But I feel so great afterwards that it’s well worth it! I know your walking will be successful because you are determined and motivated!
Melissa´s last blog ..Have You Experienced Haters?
SO true. i know that exercise is a HUGE component of managing my anxiety, and when i don’t exercise regularly i slip way back into a bad head space. i am totally all or nothing about it too. but even standing up and dancing around while watching tv is better than nothing, but it’s hard to remember. every little bit helps.
liz´s last blog ..about me
I’m so glad you stopped by my blog so I could see yours! You are 100% right about taking that first step. So often, especially when we have small kids, that first step seems like so much work. But it is so good for us and our family.
Diane Fit to the Finish´s last blog ..What About Pregnancy?
So true about every little bit helping! Also, the times when I’ve lost the most weight and been the healthiest was when I was in Europe and walking EVERYwhere. Like in Austria I walked a mile and a half to get to work, about a half mile to get to the grocery store, etc. It melted off like butter.
Cathy´s last blog ..I like this
Truer words were never spoken. I always feel so good after a workout. I don’t remember ever saying to myself, “I wish I would have stayed home on the couch eating ice cream.” after a workout.
karen@fitnessjourney´s last blog ..Get to the Core of the Matter