Give Me Strength

Happy New Year and New Decade! Well we are 5 days into the New Year and New Decade and the decorations are coming down, the food is being finished off, the drinking is slowing down. We are easing ourselves into the new year and getting ready for all things to go back to ‘normal’. For many of us we were back at work last week – I was – but the majority it all starts tomorrow.

Like last year, I’m focusing on being happy. I covered a lot of this last week and of course this time last year, so I won’t bore you with it again! 😁 I’m aiming to do a lot more challenges this year – the 30 day ones as they are the perfect length. My first challenge of the year, is to have no alcohol for 30 days – a great way to start after my indulgences over the festive period. Will see how it goes, my husband has also decided to join me in this. I think my body will be pleased of the break!

I’m not sure if it’s because I’m now 40 or because I’ve been paying attention to me more in the last year, but I’m focusing more on my fitness this year. Now when I say fitness I don’t mean I am going to be a marathon runner or a body builder or some kind of athlete who could kick ass in the Olympics. No, that will not be me. I’m looking at taking care of me, getting myself to a place where my body is in a good place and I feel great and happy with an extra kick of whoo hoooness!

We have all done some form of exercise in our lives, but one thing I hadn’t really realised before, is the three forms of exercise. Now I’ve heard of them all but never really looked at what each one can do for us or why doing all three are important for our bodies. It may seem strange, but really exercise to me is exercise and splitting it into categories isn’t something that has ever crossed my mind! In fact, it’s only in the last few years that I’ve increased the amount or forms of exercises I do. 😃

So what are the three main types of exercise:

• Cardiovascular (or aerobic) – This could be running, swimming, walking (briskly) or cycling – basically it’s increasing your heart rate, using more oxygen which fuels your body. I do go running once a week – just short of 5k but it’s enjoyable, gets me out in any weather and make me feel great afterwards. It helps to keep my anxiety at bay and clear my head. I would recommend it! But if this isn’t for you or you want something a bit gentler then go for a brisk walk. I try and do this most lunchtimes at work, just for 20 – 30 minutes but it gets the blood pumping and the happy hormones flowing!
• Strength or Resistance training (or anaerobic) – This can be weight training, it’s helping you to tone and build muscle but uses glucose for fuel. Now this is something I have never done. I’ve not been someone who likes to go to the gym so doing weights isn’t something I have considered before. But now, I really am aware of how lacking in strength and tone I am. So I’m going to give it a go with the help of a personal trainer. She isn’t based in a gym which I’m pleased about as I’m not a fan of doing things like this in front of others, really, gyms just make me feel uncomfortable. Will see how I go and get on, thankfully I don’t need to sign my life away in a contract, therefore if it isn’t for me, then I am happy to walk away and I’ll find something else that I do enjoy. Will let you know how I get on. I’m looking forward to it!
• Flexibility – This could be yoga or pilates and can help you to stretch and move your body and joints more easily in a wider range of motion. It is also great for your overall posture and can help prevent injuries. I love yoga, so for me this is a great one to do and it does go really well with running as it stretches out my muscles. Yoga also relaxes me as well as gives me the energy to get on with my day. I try to do this at least 4 times a week – once in a class and the rest at home. If you try anything this year, give yoga a go! It is suitable for anyone, any age and fitness.

I would say all three forms of training help with your mental health, it helps to move your body but gives your mind strength and clarity as well. I think we often see exercise as physical only, but the positive effect on your mind makes it worth it – for me anyway.

Whatever exercise you do and however often you do it, enjoy it, make it about whats best for you and what works for you. Don’t force yourself to do something you dislike – it will demotivate you and you are more likely to give up. I tried Zumba and it was the longest hour of my life – it wasn’t for me so I didn’t go back! It might take a few goes at things to find out what you like, so just try all things you are interested in. See where it takes you. If you find something you love – make it part of your life. If it motivates you, then set yourself some challenges!

Whatever you do, if you haven’t exercised before or about to embark on something tough going or are unsure then please make sure you seek medical advice. Don’t put yourself in situations which could be detrimental to your physical and mental health.

Wishing you all a wonderous and amazing 2020 and a fantastic week. Look after you.

Love Emma xx 😀 🌼