Thursday, August 11, 2011

Works for Me!


We use the phrase "works for me" to indicate agreement with social plans, an outfit your spouse wants to wear, what to cook for dinner. But let's get personal... when it comes to setting up your fitness/wellness routine - do you really know what works for you?

Here's a few things to consider.

1. Make it fun. What did you used to do for fun BK? (you know, before kids) What excites your imagination? Do you love the image of yourself calm and strong in a Warrior 2 pose? Do you miss the fresh air of hiking or biking or the music of a zumba or spin class? (If you can't think of something fun, see #3, and then return here.)

2. Get it scheduled. If you are like me, that which is on your daily (weekly) schedule is that which actually happens. I can say to those requesting my time "can't do" and to be clear that maybe grocery shopping sans kids isn't going to happen this week. You've heard children need structure? Well, I do too!

3. Make it social. For myself, I do not exercise without friends (this includes the classes I teach.) Maybe you'll be joining friends who already do the thing you're contemplating, maybe you'll make friends with the people or teacher in the class. (Trust me, teachers love to know their students better and we're happy when you come to class.) This step is the key to making the changes stick - because even the most introverted of us benefit from being part of a group.

So take a few minutes with your schedule open, take the time to put yourself first (for a change), and discover what works for you! And when you do, let people know what you're up to, so they can support you and/or join in with you.

Tune in next week to contemplate "what works for you" in terms of food, drink, weight loss and all that jazz!