There are so many physical fitness experts giving exercise plans through their websites, videos, and blogs. I am not one of them. I make myself exercise, and sometimes I actually enjoy it, but I don’t claim expertise on the subject.
I do have personal experience feeling the difference exercise can make on my attitude. Not only do I feel better knowing I just did what I could to battle my ever-expanding thighs, I also have a surge of energy and endorphins. The endorphins are wonderful little chemicals that interact with the receptors in my brain, reducing my perception of pain and making me a happier person. Hopefully you have felt an infusion of joy from endorphins as well. If not, get ready for a drug-free boost.
I find that I need variety in my exercise. If I do the same exercise routine every day I tend to get bored. Some of you are probably die-hard runners, so this might not be true for you. I see you with your muscled legs and zero body fat and know what you are doing is effective. I wish I could be more like you. But no, running every day is not my thing.
Here are the methods of exercise I like to bounce between the most:
- Biking
- Walking
- Kick-boxing
- Gardening (doesn’t get my heart-rate up but I can feel it afterwards)
- Aerobics (while I watch Netflix)
- Yoga
- Dancing (don’t judge—my moves aren’t great but I keep moving)
- Pilates
Exercising at least 20 to 30 minutes three days a week is good, but I aim for at least five days a week. This helps me sleep better, reduces my stress, and remember those endorphins I mentioned? I want them more than three days a week.
The last two months I have added a super short workout to my morning routine. I’m guessing I’m not the only one with crazy mornings. By the time I make breakfast for my kids and drive them to school, I barely have time to get ready for work myself. I can’t seem to squeeze in a full workout because I am not a morning person, but I can squeeze in a five minute stretching or yoga routine, and it helps my attitude immensely. Like I say, I am no fitness expert, so I will show you a routine from Tara Stiles that I enjoy. You don’t want to watch me doing these moves in yoga pants. (Thighs—remember?)
Let’s get those endorphins flowing and feel our attitude change for the better!