Spring Fitness

Who hasn’t heard the grumbling under our breath about our “Winter weight” or "I’m going to get my Summer body ready"! Why is it we have this conversation with ourselves or our friends every year? Why can't we maintain a healthy (what does healthy look like to you) lifestyle?

Healthy doesn’t mean “skinny”. Let’s start with you remembering when you were happy with your health and physical abilities. Don’t let the negativity creep into your thoughts. When were you happy? How did you feel? What were you eating? How much exercise were you committing to? If we can commit to something that is doable for ourselves, we can keep our physical health on track. It's Spring and, especially Alberta where I reside, that could mean a plethora of weather patterns. If you live in an area where ice and snow are a concern, take the opportunity to walk on a treadmill, walk the mall or find some friends and walk outdoors where there is limited risk of snow and ice.

Weather doesn’t haven’t to stop you from making healthy choices. You always have a choice! It may require you to think differently.

If you reside where weather doesn’t stop you, commit to 20 minutes a day. Heart and Stroke Research has determined that the magical number of 30 minutes a day 5 times a week is what will aide in your cardiac wellness. Just because you may not be able to do 30 minutes a day, that doesn’t mean don’t do anything. DO WHAT YOU CAN! This is totally a time when something is better than nothing.

My Top Tips for Successful Physical Health:

1. Have a clear vision as to why you want to be healthy. Get present to what it feels like when you may not be as physically active as you would like (tired, unable to play with kids/grandkids, lethargic and depressed)

2. Ask for the support of your friends. There is nothing better than encouraging others and connecting with others through a genuine desire to be physically healthy. Have fun with it...the walk ends at the coffee shop or a garage sale or card table! It doesn’t have to be rigid and painfully structured.

3. Have someone you are accountable to! We quickly find any excuse and give up on our own health. Have someone who will make you accountable for doing what you say you are going to do. Have a meet-up time, no excuses, no saying “I don’t feel like it!”.

4. Don’t give up, just change the parameters. If your initial vision seems too ambitious, re-engineer your vision. There is no right or wrong place to start, just START.

5. NEVER, NEVER compare yourself to anyone else. You are unique and everyone requires something different for their body. Remember, “comparison is the thief of all JOY”. Eleanor Roosevelt said that and I couldn't agree more.

6. ALWAYS, ALWAYS appreciate when you do something to support your physical well-being. Every time you show up to be active - thats a WIN. Keep a journal of your progress and tell your family and friends what you are up to. Allow them to help celebrate your commitment to your health.