18 Oct No excuses
Just about every day I read or hear about the benefits of exercising and how we should all be fitting in our 30 minutes a day. I’m by no means a fitness guru, nor do I look like a swimwear model, but I definitely feel the benefits of exercise when I get around to it.
My brother was definitely blessed with the sporty genes in our family and I was never the first to jump up to go for a run or walk around the block, but towards the end of high school I started running with my dad. We started with the lamp post to lamp post routine and slowly built up to 5kms, then 10kms. He is the most patience person on this planet! We even ran my first 19km race together, with him by my side every step of the way.
Since those high school days, I’ve run a few more races, religiously attended Adventure Bootcamp for Women (which I loved), punched it out in classes at the gym and bounced around on gym balls at Preggy Bellies. Whichever it was, I always felt good afterwards and had a clearer mind, was ready to eat healthier and be happier.
I’ve found that the best time for me to exercise is in the morning. Although it sometimes requires an earlier wake up than the rest of the family, it leaves me feel energised for the rest of the day. I also find I eat healthier on the days I exercise early and I’m sharper in my discussions at work, more patient with my kids at home. Most leaders in business fit in some form of exercise as part of their daily morning routine, even if it is a couple of push ups and lunges. They agree that it allows them to recharge their bodies and prepare their minds for the day ahead.
Although treading the tar is still my favourite form of exercise and always leaves me feeling invigorated and healthy, it’s not always possible. I don’t tick the exercise box every day of the week, but I like to get in at least three or four sessions a week. Over the past few years, I’ve found great online workouts that range from 10 minute abs to 45 minutes full body cardio sessions. My favourite at the moment is Body Fit by Amy (www.youtube.com/user/BodyFitByAmy). Amy has also recently had a baby and has some great pregnancy workouts online which I followed. There are loads of other workouts of her channel for post pregnancy, cardio, strength training, etc.
The beauty of these home workout options are that they require very little or no equipment, cost nothing, you can chose a workout that suits your time availability and you can do it in the kitchen while your just-turned-two year old eats his breakfast. The best is that I still feel great afterwards, even if it was just 15 minutes.
No Comments