Keeping Fit (and Relaxed!)
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We had a lot of summer fun – Now the weather is starting to cool down and it’s getting dark out a little earlier. With the shorter days, it can be hard to find time for my long walks. So, I recently joined a gym – Planet Fitness – and have been going there almost every day since I first joined.
Planet Fitness prides itself as a judgement free zone. So naturally, I was very drawn to it. And with that I feel more confident about being myself, asking for help, evening joining in on a conversation. I feel very safe and confident there, not judged. Being new to a gym, I set up several appointments with a fitness trainer to help me learn how to safely use the equipment. The trainer was welcoming, helpful and so encouraging. It’s only been a few weeks, but it’s been a wonderful experience.
When the days are shorter, it’s easy to find reasons to stay in, keep yourself. I feel better when I keep my mind and my body busy (some would say I have a lot of ‘nervous energy’). The gym has given me another great use of my free time before going to work. I use the treadmill, stretch, use the free weights, and the stair stepper, but I am careful not to overdo it. If you overdo it, you could risk hurting yourself and you need to give your body time to rest between workouts.
I personally believe that an important part of staying fit and healthy is also having a cheat day. On my cheat days I prefer to work on blog ideas, watch TV, have some take-out, journal, and visit with my family.
I feel more confident about myself when my body feels good from exercise, eating healthy and spending time with family and friends to relax…. just have some food, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. For me, going to the gym and enjoying a cheat day here and there seems to be the perfect combination for my physical and my mental health.
That’s all for now…I’m off to the gym!
Sarah