Physically fit, physically fit, physically physically physically fit…
This may be one of my favorite songs to shake my booty too. I’ve choreographed spin classes to this song as well as just played it to pump up the room. It’s silly, it’s fun, and it brings up a good point.
Imagine this: I hate to move it move it, You hate to move it move it, We hate to move it! Not very inspiring right? Why then do we force ourselves to do things that we dislike? Have you ever heard yourself or a friend say “Oh I hate running, but I force myself to run at least a few times a week”
WHY?!?!
What does being “physically fit” mean to you?
Here are some possible answers:
A) Weights 2-3x per week Cardio 2-3x per week
B) Dancing till my heart rate gets elevated
C) Swimming 3 miles a day
D) Running Marathons
E) Crossfit
F) Zumba/Jazzercize
G) Yoga/Pilates
H-Z) There are literally THOUSANDS of possibilities here
Which is the right answer?
I’ve got some good news and some bad news for you:
Good news first: There is no “wrong” way
Bad news second: There is no “right” way
Let that soak in for a minute.
Movement is the name of the game
Minimum number of suggested steps per day is 10,000. You know how I hit that goal this Sunday? After sitting and driving all day, I had a 50 minute dance party…in my kitchen. I even danced on the counter! (I would love to show you video evidence, but I’m not sure my underwear dance parties are internet appropriate or necessary. ) You’re just gonna have to believe me on this one =)
What do you enjoy that would add movement to your day?
How do you like to move it, move it?
Since I have already given you the good news about there being no wrong way to do this whole physically fit thing, what are you going to try next?
If you hate the tredmill I’m giving you permission to throw it out (maybe donate it…some people love that stuff) If you hate the traditional gym you have permission to cancel your membership and find something new.
Do you see how freeing this is? When I gave myself permission to never run again, I’m pretty sure I became a better woman. All jokes aside, I used to use running as a way to beat my body into submission. If I ate something “bad” I had to be punished with a long run.
This is what lead to disordered eating, unhealthy exercise, and many injuries and illness. I said NO MORE! Guess what, now when I run a 5k just for fun…I actually enjoy it?! Go figure. Please stop beating your body into submission with exercise you hate. I promise there is no sunshine at the bottom of that rabbit whole.
Now what?!
This is the fun part. YOU get to decide how your movement/exercise/fitness goes. YOU get to decide your definition of physically fit. YOU get to free yourself from the shackles of “should” (Sounds like the title of a future blog!) Next time you’re scrolling through instagram and you see an unreasonable picture of a 6 pack and a motivational quote say you “should” do something. I suggest giving it the middle finger, and doing what you want.
Because no one wants to dance to “I hate to move it, move it”
Now I will be resuming my dance party. What are you gonna do? =)