Making Movement a Summer Goal

Memorial Day weekend is always the official kick-off for the summer and inspires a topic that comes up naturally as the weather heats up: movement!

One of the pillars of living a long, healthy lifestyle is movement and exercise. Nothing new here but with a busy schedule, constant responsibilities at home and work, it feels impossible for many to fit it in and often times the last thing you want to do to after a long day.

We put a lot of pressure on ourselves. We tell ourselves we don't move enough because we sit at a desk all day. We shame ourselves by saying we should work out or work out harder, but don't have the time, energy or motivation. We set expectations for ourselves that may be too high off the bat and then get discouraged when our goals aren't met. You think of reasons why you should be moving and exercising more--to improve your health, for your kids, to feel good--but those reasons aren't always enough to get you to take those first steps or stay consistent. And then you feel worse. It's a constant cycle for so many people but doesn't have to be this way.

If this sounds like you, just remember to be kind to yourself. It takes time to build habits, even the smallest ones. If you want to get back to working out or to start a routine, begin with 10-15 minutes/day, not 30 or 45. If you don't enjoy running, no one says you have to do it! Find something YOU enjoy. For example, I have never enjoyed running, I've tried and I just don't like it. I like to hike or walk, enjoy boxing, I like jump roping, a HIIT workout (short and sweet), all great forms of movement.

And as a reminder, moving more often during the day in some cases has a greater impact than one workout once a day. Moving and exercising increases longevity, helps manage glucose, reduces inflammation in the body and helps with most chronic diseases.

I challenge you to move a little bit more over these next few months while the sun's out, the heat's up and you can even get a detoxing sweat in!