Making Movement Mindful Again
Lately I have been feeling a bit on autopilot with my fitness routine. Prior to the pandemic, I really enjoyed group fitness classes. Being around others really motivated me to push myself. I have been working out at home for almost a full year now and definitely can find myself exercising in order to “check a box off”. Movement should be part of a daily routine, but not in the sense that it needs to be a chore on a to-do list. Working out should be part of the day that rejuvenates you, develops your self-confidence, and improves your mood.
Switch it up
Change what workouts you are doing. There are endless free workouts on youtube-HIIT, strength training, pilates, yoga, you name it google’s got it. There are definitely days when I need to change up my typical routine and do something different in order to remain engaged during my exercise time. It also may be helpful to create a schedule. For example, every Sunday you do yoga, then Mondays/Tuesdays you do a HIIT workout, and toward the end of your week you focus on strength training or pilates. Having a schedule for certain days that get dedicated to particular workouts can help prevent the days blurring together-a very real pandemic problem.
Get outside
This is something I am an insane advocate for. I know it is cold out right now, at least in the North East, but if there are some milder days take your workout outside on a run, hike, or bike ride. Changing up your location of movement can make you more mindful during that dedicated 30 to 60 minutes for yourself. This is especially true for when the weather does warm up. Make it part of your weekly routine to go on a run or a hike a few times a week. Nature can really work wonders for our physical and mental health. My favorite hikes or runs to go on are near bodies of water. Get outside and change your mood. I swear by it.
Make it Social
The way we interact with others, especially in a workout session has certainly shifted this past year. Get creative with friends and family about how you can workout together. This has been an immense help to me. If it is a nice day-get together outside for a workout or hike with friends. Do a virtual challenge with your family. If you and your loved ones have apple watches you can even add one another as friends and see everyone’s workout activity. My friends and I have shared workout videos, PDF files with different exercises, and a ton of other resources to stay healthy together.
Make then necessary changes to become mindful doing your exercise again. Instead of continuing on auto-pilot listen to what your body needs that day or take the time to plan a week in advance. The goal here is to become excited to work out and refreshed after.