Movement and Fresh Air, the Best Medicine
Movement is medicine and when we combine fresh air and professional support we create the gold standard for our recovery and performance.
While we know this to be true based on the evidence, for some it can feel like an impossible feat. I was there, faced with a traumatic loss so great that it took me out at my knees.
Having lived a life of fitness and outdoor adventure, and researching the immense benefits of both, I knew that “just 15 minutes of cardiovascular exercise outdoors” would uplift my mood, and on this day, make it so that I could merely step into the shower and function for my children.
Knowing this is one thing. Doing it is another.
I went to bed in my workout clothes, knowing how heavy I would feel in the morning and how difficult it would be to carry out my exercise goal. I prepped my water and my 25 minute workout clip. It was familiar, something that I could easily follow to get my heart rate up.
The morning came. I got out of bed. I set my video up outside, but I couldn’t push play! For the first time in my life I just simply couldn’t do it.
It took a few good cries, a talk and someone to say, I’m here, I’ve got you. I’m going to pick up your kids from school but *I need you to promise that you will PUSH PLAY.
So I did.
I did 5 minutes of the outside workout… It was sub par at best, but I continued and did 5 minutes more. Somehow I finished because guess what, starting is the hardest part and by the end I felt human again. I could function. I even felt good.
Without finishing I would not have heard this from the clip “life begins at the end of your comfort zone, so get uncomfortable every day and success will always follow.”
While we may know the reason for needing to do something, our “why”, it can be really difficult to find our path to get there, our “how”. I hope that I have helped to ignite your “how”. No matter what today looks like, go easy on yourself and simplify steps to get outdoors and move, and hey, if you need support, you are not alone. We all do! Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re all in this together 💚
