Exercising with the Seasons
As a fitness enthusiast, thankfully I enjoy to 'work out'. However, the term has gotten more loose and playful over the years. In my earlier days, the athlete in me had a competitive nature and although, it still exists, my perspective and goals are different.
Physically, I'm in a different place not bad, good just different. I honor the changes, ebb and flows and cycles, not only during the year but within the quarters, solstices and moon cycles (the literal moon and the feminine moon cycles too). Just like a plant that blooms certain times of year, we all have seasons in which we shine bright and feel more energized, strong, motivated and fit. Life would be boring if we did the same thing every day. Change up your fitness routine and stimulate the body and mind like cycling the foods you eat, driving a different route, traveling to a new place (physically or in your minds eye) and more!
We are approaching the summer, hot summer days so balance the hard core exercises with slower paced ones too to cool the body down! During the woman's moon days, take time to honor the body, rest, reflect, be one with nature. Typically, we will not perform at the same level of intensity or vigor during this time. Many people choose to ignore this concept, wonder why they don't have as much energy and then get disappointed with themselves instead of embracing the changes. Think of the signs the body shares with you leading up to the menses, so wouldn't you think other aspects would be affected too? Additionally, if you are going through times of stress (doesn't always have to be bad stress), it is helpful to use exercise to release stress or anxiety, however, sometimes too much hard intense exercise may be too much and counterproductive if you are in a weakened state. So, exercise is good but a lower intensity workout may be more beneficial.
Cross training, incorporating strength and flexibility and getting the heart rate up is a good, well rounded regime. This could be a power walk on the beach or walking your dog to swimming, cycling, plyometrics (for example jump squats) and much more. Each is a different approach and not all exercises are appropriate for every body! Also, although I am a Personal Trainer and Pilates instructor and I'm not using this as a sales pitch, I do highly recommend working privately with a professional or in a small group, at some point, so you can get individualized attention and direction on the proper exercises for your body and techniques. Nothing worse then performing exercises incorrectly and injuring yourself. If you ignore the body's communication, you may end up with chronic pain. If you address any discomfort by ice, rest, massage or physical therapy from the beginning, you will recover faster. It could be something very simple! Please listen to your body! When your car makes a funny noise, do you ignore it?
In your workouts, challenge yourself but understand the limits for longevity. I continually am evolving and finding various ways to exercise. Sometimes, I focus more on cardiovascular and make sure to add in a day or two of strength training and other times it's visa versa always with flexibility and rest days too. I am fortunate to have access to the Pilates Equipment and Aerial Swings and although I like to exercise without always using an 'apparatus', I will admit, I am thankful and enjoy the challenges they have to offer. Both modalities help me to incorporate flexibility training which used to be on my back burner. Using hand weights and bands is another good challenge for strength and may also be incorporated for flexibility too (done properly). I can't stress enough the importance of staying flexible so your body and mind can work efficiently and with ease (a tight body lead may lead to tight and restricted mind) and the strength for everyday functional tasks. Be open to trying to things and even taking a new class! You never know what doors may open or friends you may meet.
I encourage you to balance with cardiovascular exercise, strength, balance and core training along with flexibility. Some exercise modalities combine a few of these such as Pilates and Yoga which, in addition to strengthening the body, also strengthens the mind. Stay creative, change and challenge your body and mind in various ways throughout the year. Keep yourself stimulated and make sure you're having some fun such as working out with a friend or family member, at a club, go out dancing, or look into vacations including hiking, water sports, bike riding etc.
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