NATURE BEATS TREADMILL
We live in a day where time and money are short, and convenience is everything. (Honestly, in this COVID-19 season, we have even greater challenges.) I do wonder what our ancestors would think of our fast pace and modernized lifestyles? If we think about it, it seems like every day something is invented to make our lives “easier” or “better.” But is that necessarily a good thing?
There are times when a treadmill is useful, but why would you go to the trouble of getting ready and driving to the gym when you can step outside your door and not only do the exact same thing, but also experience the outdoors — fresh air, nature, wildlife, uneven terrain, variety — it’s exhilarating!
I mean, which one of the pictures below is more appealing to you?
LIFE BEFORE GYM
If you think about it, the first gyms (as we know them today) didn’t arrive on the scene until the 1960s. How in the world did people ever survive? Was everyone unhealthy and overweight? I think probably not.
Life was simpler. People had to get out and do things themselves (gasp!). They mowed the lawn, walked the dog, cleaned the house, went to the store, rode bikes to get places, and planted, tended and harvested their own gardens.
We just did more for ourselves, rather than having things done for us. There was more labor involved in each day that kept us active, engaged, and healthy. Because daily life provided all the exercise one typically needed, there wasn’t much need to go “exercise.”
A HEALTHY BALANCE
Almost everything these days can be done from the comfort of our homes—on our computers, tablets, smart phones, etc. How swell. Apps on these wonderfully convenient devices can help us exercise and be active. Look them up — there are tons — and many are even free.
But alas, I wonder – could there be a balance between gyms and the great outdoors? There are gyms that offer real life benefits (beyond equipment, classes and expensive monthly fees). These places foster community through encouragement, healthy challenges, support, kindness and love. Those are all good — no, excellent! — things. These places pour the things we crave and appreciate into our lives. If you love going to the gym, I would encourage you to find a place like this and cling to it.
WHERE TO GO? WHAT TO DO?
For a while my place was a local CrossFit box. It was a great community of supportive and encouraging people for me at a time I needed it most. Currently, my place is a local yoga studio where I can practice movements that are safe, strengthening and healing for my body in this stage of life. (Also, aerial yoga adds some fun variety!) But my favorite way to stay active is to just get outside – walk, hike, sprint – just move. Being in nature makes me happy, gives me peace, challenges me physically and spiritually – and most importantly, gives me time with people and pups I love.
Our options are endless, really – with a gym on every corner offering something different and unique. Look around your local area for a place to try out – many gyms offer 24-hour access, a variety of classes, personal trainers, and other benefits. You could even try “fun” movement — hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, dancing, ropes courses—or sign up for a team sport!
Whatever you decide, just get moving and do something fun that makes you happy!
So yes, I believe there is a balance to be attained in exercise land. Get involved in a good community at an excellent gym where you are part of the family, not just a person with a membership card. And get into the habit of getting outside, alone or with others, on a regular basis. Movement is good for the soul (and the body, obviously)!
REAPING THE BENEFITS
The bottom line is that being active regularly is more important than many of us may think, and just moving your body a little each day may do wonders for helping balance your hormones, maintain healthy insulin levels, have healthy muscles and bones, and so much more. With a regular exercise routine, you may even feel more centered and grounded than you ever have before.
When it comes to hormone balance, too much exercise can lead to all sorts of hormone imbalance. It can even increase your stress hormones and lead to fatigue – Yikes! But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t push yourself occasionally. The key here is to know your body – and do what works best for you. Just be sure to listen when it’s telling you to back off – which can be really hard for many people. I’m talking to myself here – it took me too long to surrender to the fact that I needed to chill and stop pushing myself so hard in the gym. Don’t let that be you!
So the dilemma here isn’t whether you should exercise – because everyone needs to move to stay healthy. It’s what kind of exercise is the best for you. Experiment until you land on something (or things) that you enjoy and do those things regularly. Happy moving!
Exercise is a journey. Results do not occur overnight. The key is to remain focused on consistency. It’s not about how hard you work, it’s about sticking with it and making it a lifestyle rather than a binge.
