Don’t just exercise.
Enjoy what you’re doing!
I have this friend – we’ll call her Rebe – she’s actually much more than a friend. She is a family member that is the closest thing I’ve ever known to a sister.
This lady is fierce.
She has overcome obstacles more than once that could have left any one of us on the sidelines of life. Yet, she used them to grow stronger in her faith, perseverance and outright love of life. I love her.
That said, she has this strange habit of running - without anyone chasing her. It boggles my mind.
She says it’s fun. Relaxing. Challenging even (you know one of those things that really brings people together…). She was more than happy to pull me in and encourage me along. I could have been one of those “running is great” people (and I still love everyone of you running nuts). Running is effective. Running has fantastic benefits. Yet, no matter how I’ve gone about it…I just can’t get into it. I have learned that running is not my happy place – or even my let’s-do-this-to-prove-I-can place.
Now, before you sweet running nuts start emailing me with a bunch of hints, hacks and how-to’s – please, give the rest of this a read.
This is not a post bashing running or Rebe and others like her. This is a post about finding your thing.
It’s hard for me not to laugh as I write this because I can’t count how many times I have set out to collect some miles with great anticipation only to be reminded that I miss my walks. That is my thing. I love to walk. Walking for exercise, sure – but that’s not all. I enjoy walking just to see a different perspective or take a pretty picture. I enjoy walking with my children and hearing their little voices. I enjoy the smell of honey suckle in June and the crisp breeze on my nose in January.
I just really like walking.
I could say the same for shooting free throws. I grew up in the gym and basketball was a big part of my life for several years. Just typing those words puts the mixed smell of leather, wood and sweat in my nose and a smile on my face. And sure, basketball had it’s fair share of running – but it was for a different purpose. For me it was part of the fast break or the hustle of playing strong defense. Just like Rebe and the peace-of-mind she feels putting in those long miles, I find peace in walking, strength training, or shooting a ball.
Movement was created to facilitate peace of mind.
Movement is so much more than exercise. Exercise is suffering through something to get a health benefit alone. Movement is a gift that comes in many forms. You may enjoy dancing (I didn’t say you have to be good at it…just that you enjoy doing it). If that’s not your jam, maybe it’s tennis or golf. Still no? How about chasing your children or grandchildren? You see, we need to stop trying to fit the “exercise prescription” and just get moving. Let loose and enjoy what you can do at a pace that fits where you are right now.
Try new things. If you like them, keep learning more. If you’re not a fan of something you try, chalk it up as a not-my-thing and look for something else to enjoy. You can pay for classes or just get out and walk around on your own. Don’t worry about if you’re doing “it” right. Just enjoy the motion. Find what helps you’re loud, hectic thoughts clear. Focus on the mindful benefits of moving your body.
In the medical field we are quick to point out bone loss when muscles are not taxed enough or cardiac risks when hearts and lungs are not worked enough, but we all too often fail to mention that daily movement lifts your mood. A lifted mood then helps you move even more. This is a cycle I can get behind and makes me want to jump on board!
So today, if you find yourself frustrated that you’re not where you once were or wishing you liked to “exercise”, forget about airbrushed magazines, statistics and all the other noise. Simply get up and move in a way that makes you smile and lifts your heart if even just a little bit.
written by Kelli Keller, D.O.
As you try new things, we’d love to see it! Take a picture and post it with #dontjustexerciselY
If you’re looking for some ideas, try some of these:
Park further away and smile at people as you pass by them.
When you’re shopping, go look in an area of the store where you’ve never been.
Walk around your house, neighborhood, park or nearby woods looking for something unexpected.
Pull up a few of your favorite songs and dance like nobody is looking.
Gather friends or family for a yard game (kickball is a favorite around here).
Find a runner-nut and their friends and become a fellow runner-nut.
Join a gym or class.
Collect things from nature and then make something from them (again a favorite with my crew).
Find a game of pick-up or make your own.
Go skating.
Swim or bike.
Find a good trail, turn off your phone and just enjoy.
Let us see you enjoying the gift of motion! Take a picture and post it with #dontjustexerciselY
