I've written before that exercise for exercise's sake is never going to be something that excites me. Other than dance, pretty much any other kind of exercise is a chore. But I love to eat, and I love my clothes, and without exercise in the mix, those two things are not compatible.
So each weekday morning I rise early and do 30 - 60 minutes of zumba or pilates or walking to keep the weight at bay. The alarm is never greeted with joy. No matter how early I went to bed, 6.30am rolls around too soon. I struggle out of bed, driven on only be the knowledge that as a result of the exercise, I will be able to eat dessert tonight.
But then, in the early morning stillness I put on some soft music and I stretch and warm up. I move my limbs in a long practiced routine which takes my body from sleep to wake. Knots from the previous day's many desk hours are freed. Limbs extended, I move, almost without thought, slowly waking, till I feel limber.
I subscribe to the policy that a half arsed workout is better than a no workout at all, so not all mornings have the same intensity of exercise. But even when my heart is really not in it I still find myself doing my full range of stretches. If I do miss a stretch session I really notice the difference during the day. I feel somehow cramped within my body.
So while I may not enjoy the whole getting up early and exercising activity, I have found a place of peace within it and I'm better, in mind and body, for it.
I agree re: morning exercise (...not that it seems to be helping my weight any.) I always feel better after I've dragged myself out of bed and gone to the gym. Seems counterintuitive, but the more I exercise, the more energy I have.
ReplyDeleteI do agree about exercise increasing energy. I'm impressed you go to the gym, any exercise that involves leaving the house (other than for a walk) definitely requires more motivation than I have. Most of the time I exercise in my pjs!
DeleteI feel the same way about the benefits of exercise - I am a much better person with it, and certainly a lot calmer. I am fortunate to enjoy the process of it (most of the time anyway!) as well as the after-math but still agree that morning comes around way too fast when you exercise then. I wouldn't swap it though - night time just wouldn't give the same perks to me!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you've hit on a calm and peaceful morning routine in your part of the country :)
Ugh, exercise ... I get enough of that pushing the clutch pedal down when I'm driving.
ReplyDeleteGreat work, lady. Your body and mind will thank you for pushing through - so important to stay active!! & yes, any activity is good!! I love it as my 'me' time. Love getting a walk in, getting into nature. I adore the mornings & usually am in bed early enough so that an early start is welcome :) I'd take the morning over the night any day!
ReplyDeleteHeidi xo