My Uncle called me tonight, right in the middle of a 60 minute “Rocket Yoga” class (honestly this hot yoga class is gonna be my new favorite). After the class I texted him an apology letting him know I was tied up in a yoga class when he called and he said, “So you’re a yogi?” I was flattered, mostly. I always saw yogis as a certain kind of person. Lean, flexible women with a calming voice and lots of green tea, and plant based foods. As much respect as I have for these people, this simply is not me. (I prefer coffee as my source of antioxidants) I proceeded to explain that I do cross training (all kinds of workouts) but tonight was a yoga kind of night.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is in order for me to be consistent with my fitness, I need to have variety so that I don’t get bored. Weight training one day, yoga the next, Pilates, barre, you name it! Variety in the gym keeps me invested and eager instead of bored and needing to convince myself that this is good for my health or is my New Year’s resolution. I mean how many of you have already fallen off the workout wagon and we’re only 20 days in?
As a woman who has always loved fitness, and even instructed, I’ve stayed consistent through pregnancy, a lupus diagnosis, parenting, marriage, work and frankly, life and all that entails. I’ve learned a lot, but here are a couple of things that have helped me to stay in love with physical fitness:
I schedule my workouts in the beginning of the week
This seems simple but truly makes a difference! It gives you something to look forward to and keeps you locked in. (Especially when it’s a class)
I NEVER tell myself I’ll workout every day- it’s just not gonna happen!
Instead, I give myself a number of times I know I can stick to. For a while it was 3 times a week for an hour. Now it’s 4-5 times a week. But staying consistent with 3x helped me build to 4, and it’s not scary like it would be if I was starting from zero and going to 4. Give yourself a number you know you’ll stick to and this builds confidence!
So, I am NOT a yogi, I love movement. And you don’t have to make your fitness decisions your identity. Try everything, and stick to these tips and I promise your practice will be more consistent and enjoyable!. I hope this helps you find joy in staying active!
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