Fitness that Makes You Smile

Life can get messy. Stress can sneak up on us. Having proactive solutions to combat challenges is golden. More specifically, I’m suggestion taking on fitness that makes you smile.

Outdoor Fitness Year-Round

May I suggest writing down all the physical activities you love or once loved doing? Where I live, there are about two seasons while others enjoy four complete seasons for outdoor fitness. Whether you have two or four seasons, nature and weather deliver a variety of choices! Variety in our exercise program, keeps things fresh and exciting. As humans we love novelty. Sure we may have our favorite go-to fitness, yet it’s the variety that adds delight while challenging our muscles and mind differently.

Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall

Winter

Colder weather offers us a chance to bundle up. For some, snow and ice brings a wonderland of choice from skiing and snow shoeing or ice skating and hockey. For me, it means hiking in a State Park. And perhaps once every ten years when it snows where I live, snowball fights or snowman building. Even in the Winter, we can move our bodies and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

There are times I personally like to double-time my efforts and listen to a beneficial podcast during a hike. An hour or two later, I’m feeling really refreshed and sometimes even smarter. I encourage you to find something you want to learn about and listen while moving along. Studies show that action helps us retain information. Have a particular problem to solve? Something as simple as walking or taking a hike creates to think, pray and meditate on the best solution.

Spring

I have two favorites. Gardening (and by mentioning this, I claim no green thumb status), and rebounding (you may know this better as jumping on a mini-trampoline). After the cold I want to see color and grow things to eat. I still like playing in the dirt. I never outgrew that. I did, of course, outgrow the eating of it. 😉 It’s always amazing to rediscover the hidden muscles I had forgotten existed. However, when seeds begin sprouting up, there is a deep satisfaction in this outdoor workout. If you get into rebounding, may I suggest double-timing? Have a dog? Play fetch! It’s a win-win. Or simply enjoy the glorious sunshine, Vitamin D intake while getting your fitness on!

Summer

I love to swim. It’s one of my favorites. Can I swim like Michael Phelps? Not a chance, but I have vastly improved my time upon a shark sighting. Yes, seriously. This happened while on vacation in Bora Bora. Later I found out, it was “friendly” shark, but who wants to wait around to find out friend or foe? Here’s a tip, whenever you move your body, celebrate what benefits you are bringing to your body. For example, when I swim I celebrate loving up my lymph system, getting in some cardio, enjoying low-impact exercise and toning my muscles. Referring back to the benefits always makes me smile.

Fall

Horseback riding is my Autumn beloved. There is less heat and air that is crisp. A yearly pilgrimage is made  to South Dakota to ride with my dear friend, Liz. This fitness includes hours in the saddle, viewing vast beauty, taking in fresh air, all while enjoying our friendship. Liz and the companionship of horses offers a variety of fitness buddies to boot. I encourage you to find fitness activities that you can share with someone you care about, it makes working out more fun and it builds lasting bonds.

Indoor Fitness

For the days it is raining, too cold or you just can’t seem to get out of the house, having options for an indoor plan for fitness is the key to staying on track. Did you know a mini-trampoline doesn’t take up a lot of room and it’s seriously fun too? If you have an indoor gym set, use it! I know so many people who spend good money on equipment and don’t take advantage of it. I like an elliptical machine as it’s easy on the joints and is great for when the weather is not-so-kind. Are you considering buying one? If so, save lots of money and consider getting is used through something like Craigslist. The same goes for stationary bikes.

YouTube is an excellent source for finding good indoor workouts. Yep, that’s right. I especially like videos with different trainers using the core ball, or what some call a pilates ball. I find it great for toning, enjoyable and it’s also great for the lymphatic system. Benefits alert! 😉

I am sure all beings can agree that housework is a formidable and noteworthy workout. Only kidding. Of course, if YOU really enjoy it, please include this in your list of fun fitness favorites and  know you are most welcome to visit me anytime!

Jumping rope, dancing salsa, zumba are other ideas for indoor fitness that may bring you joy. Remember, move in such a way that when you finish your workout you’ve got a smile on your face.

The Holistic Purpose for Fitness You Love

Many experts claim that disease is 90-95% is stress-based. This means we are overburdened with too much superfluous stuff to do– or that we’re emotionally toxic. We need a healthy release! By taking time for ourselves by infusing fitness that makes us smile we can give our body, soul and spirit the whole shebang! Let’s maximize our fitness efforts, lower stress and increase sanity as we become and/or stay fit.

Chime In!

In the comments below, please share some of your fitness favorites that bring a smile to your face. 🙂