Recall your favorite workout you have ever done- one that made you just filled with euphoria and like you worked so hard (in a good way) that the benefits just oozed out of you in the form of sweat droplets. Can you think of one very specific workout? Can you also recall what type of workout you have consistently received these positive benefits from? Maybe it is a certain instructor- it doesn’t matter what they teach and when, but you drop everything to make sure you can attend their classes.
Whatever comes to mind, think about some of the qualities of these workouts and what makes you define them as your favorite? How did they make you feel?
When I think of my favorite workout, many types come to mind, each with their own special reason.
I LOVE attending a 60 minute challenging vinyasa flow yoga class in a studio with great atmosphere next to a close friend of mine on an exercise date. (This reminds me that I need to schedule this sometime soon because it has been way too long!)
I LOVE teaching cardio dance class. Picture a room filled with people who don’t give a whoop what they look like. They just want to have fun and get a great workout that also challenges their brain to follow the quick choreography. Music is what it’s all about in this class.
I LOVE hiking outdoors especially when there are great views, challenging inclines or obstacles, and social connection with my kids and husband or with my friends.
I LOVE the convenience of virtual exercise classes and enjoy a quick 20-30 minute virtual class that I can choose from a library of options based on my needs at that moment.
I LOVE being creative and combining a variety of types of exercise formats into a hybrid workout. This seamlessly blends the best features using the time, space and equipment that is available. One summer I taught an outdoor exercise class in a park, and that was so fun and a great way to connect socially.
I bet you can relate to me in that you enjoy a variety of types of exercise. And I bet that you know what you don’t like too!
I REALLY REALLY REALLY don’t like running. There, I said it! I know that I don’t stand alone on this. When I have consultations with new clients, I always ask what types of exercise they like most. About 50% of the time, the first thing they say is, “Well, I am not a runner!” Isn’t it funny how we are so quick to go to the negative first and say what we don’t like or what we are not good at?
There are two reasons I don’t like running- it hurts, and it is boring.
My body feels great after every form of exercise, except running, probably because of my leg length discrepancy. My mind also wanders very easily so I personally need my exercise to be challenging to my mind or to have beautiful scenery all around me to keep me entertained. There are many things I love about running, but there are far too many forms of exercise that work well for me so I just choose not to run.
When people tell me that they don’t like to run, it seems as though they are confessing a sin or something. (Really, it is totally fine if you are not a “runner” or don’t like to run.) Some people are very honest and tell me that they don’t like any form of exercising. There is no judgment from me on this because we are all unique individuals with different interests, skills and abilities.
I have to admit though, that I really enjoy the challenge of helping people find SOME form of movement that they enjoy, even if just a little bit.
If we can find a form of exercise that gives short and long term results, the level of enjoyment increases. Additionally, if we can find a form of exercise that highlights our strengths, skills and abilities, the level of enjoyment also increases.
The more we enjoy movement and exercise, the more we will continue to make it a part of our daily routine.
Do you see that positive upward spiral with this? Exercise consistently by choosing formats that we enjoy, that we are good at, and that give us results. No matter how hectic our schedules get, we will keep it as a priority because it only makes sense to do things that we enjoy, that we are good at and that give us multiple positive results, right?
There is your pep talk for the week, fit moms! You are juggling so many things.
I encourage you to think of exercising not as another thing on your overwhelming to-do list. Instead, think of your ability to thrive while rocking your to-do list as being possible because you exercise!
It’s time to be creative and put together your own hybrid workout routine that combines the principles of what you enjoy, what gives you results and what you are good at. Variety is the spice of life so be excited to know that having a consistent schedule with a variety of hybrid workouts will help you to feel the way you want to feel.
Fit Mom Resources to Help You Thrive
Virtual Exercise Class Membership.
Hang out with me and other mothers live or onDemand to benefit from some fun exercise routines that are functional for the body of mothers. The first month is free so really there is no reason not to do it. There is something in it for all abilities, ages, stages, and interests.
30 Day Self-Care Challenge
Want some support in making daily self-care a habit? This program will give you the daily motivation and tools to help you discover how life with self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Work with me 1:1
You are a beautiful, unique individual, and I would be honored to help you tap into your strengths so that you can use exercise as a vehicle, along with a S.M.A.R.T. plan for turning your intentions into actions with the results you want. Whether it’s starting with a three month wellness coaching relationship or working with me for 1:1 Personal training, I am ready to chat about your needs and desires.
FREE Guides and Workouts
Sign up for one of my free resources which are pictured to the right of this post.
Subscribe to my youTube channel
Each week, I deliver fit mom moments and 20 minute workouts. Check out a featured 20 minute workout below, or visit the playlist on my channel where 20 minute workouts are accessible for a limited time.
