Last year about this time I decided to start working out more often. And, once again, that idea didn’t stick with me for very long.
I don’t really like to work out. It’s not the sweating part — it’s the after-effects that do me in. For years I’ve noticed that my body gets really cranky several hours post-workout, and I now understand that that can be attributed to my fibromyalgia. In reading more about fibro, I’ve learned that the pain will get better, but at first it’ll be worse.
That goes against the principles that I teach: if something hurts, you modify or stop altogether.
Trying out this new ideology was an exercise in morphing these ideas — keeping my body safe and best aligned, modifying for my existing injuries, and knowing that the pain/discomfort that I’d feel later that night would eventually (potentially) not be there. But the health benefits would be.
Now that I’m 50 and we’re in a damn pandemic, I absolutely see even more value in getting myself in the best possible shape I can be in.
Notice I didn’t say I’m trying to lose weight or drop jean sizes. I want to be truly healthy. That means I need to do what I can to maintain the good parts of my wellness and improve the places that need it.
My big push is to lower my blood pressure. It’s been high enough to be on medication since 2008. At that time, I attributed it to going through a divorce. But as the years have gone by, and my blood pressure isn’t getting any lower, it’s time to make some big shifts.
Since I’m not predisposed to working out for any length of time, I decided to just do 30 minutes every day. That seemed pretty doable to me. I created a few playlists that are 30 minutes long so I don’t need to keep checking my phone (which turns into looking at notifications, which kills the momentum).
After doing movement for 50 consecutive days, I learned several things about myself. One, I like to have goals and to reach them. Also, the pain/discomfort has diminished, though some days it does creep in more than I’d like. This usually happens when I push it way too hard in my workout sesh.
I also have found that 30 minutes every day is enough time for me to see a difference in my body.
I used to think that I needed to work out for a few hours several times a week. My body has shown me otherwise.
I’m happy to report that, after being pre-diabetic for about 15 years, my latest bloodwork came back with my blood sugar levels being in the normal range. That’s huge, you guys!
So what have I been doing during my 30 minutes of fun each day? That depends on how my body feels in that moment. Generally speaking, I start warming up with some yoga, then I begin to slowly dance. That dance party turns more fun and intense as my playlist continues to ramp up. Sometimes I’ll add in a Pilates ring/circle thingy, other times I have fun with my Flex Discs and really work up a sweat (check them out here). I close out my session with a few minutes of stretching to cool it down. Then I hop in the shower and use my Fascia Blaster all over to help with the rehab.
This isn’t rocket science, seriously. We need movement, and chances are your heart rate doesn’t stay thumping for long enough each day.
Wanna join me in becoming your healthiest version of yourself while having a blast and getting support at the same time? I’ve created a 30-Thirty Movement Challenge for the month of November. Learn more about it here at ItsOnly30Minutes.com.
Because 30 minutes of heart-pumping movement every day has incredible effects.