Finding an activity or sport that works for you

As you know, I've been doing a 30 day yoga challenge.  To recap briefly, I committed to doing 1 hour of yoga every day for 30 days.  I programmed in 2 off-days within that 30 days as well.  Well, I am coming off of 2 days of rest and I have to say that I really missed my yoga workouts during those 2 days.  I didn't plan to take either of them off, but my schedule just demanded it... so now they're spent and I am set to go the next two weeks straight with no days off.  And actually, I am pretty happy about that. 

Here's a good question.  How do you know when you've found the Right exercise/activity/sport?  Well, my best guess would be when you get to a point that you are bummed out when something keeps you from it.  Or when you actually look forward to doing it every day (or however often that particular activity warrants).  Honestly, if you would have asked me 3 months ago if I thought there was ANY activity or exercise program that I would enjoy that much - I would have said No Way.  Did I believe there were things out there that I could tolerate?  Sure.  Did I think there might be one I'd like well enough to stick with it fairly consistently?  Yeah, probably.  But one that I would love this much?  Nope... not a chance.  I have very happily surprised myself.

Have you found something you like that much?  If so, please share what it is!  If not, maybe we can sort it out together...

Here are some things I did at first to think of different activities that would provide some physical activity, working with my personal limitations (knee, back and neck stuff) while still being enough to at least tone and keep my body moving.  Any weight loss would be a bonus but was also a desire for the short term.  Once I get to a comfortable weight (for me - not based on some doctor's chart), then I want a program that I can maintain for a long time.

I got my pen and paper, because I like that tactile way of doing things (but you could certainly do it on your ipad, laptop, computer or whatever), and starting listing things as possibilities.  Now, I did mine in list form, but recently, I was introduced to Mind Mapping which would be an awesome tool for this as well.  You can find information on that HERE. 

Some of the things I had on my personal list were yoga (obviously), walking, hiking, elliptical, dance, bellydance, irish dance, kickboxing (always wanted to try this) and circuit training.  After I had this initial list, I made columns to the side for checkmarks and notes.  Some of these columns were:
1. Does it depend on the weather?  (hiking would get a check mark)
2. Could it stress my injuries too much?  (kickboxing and irish dance)
3. Do I dread this? (circuit training got a big X on this one)
4. Is it something I can see myself doing several times a week?
5. Is it something that I can do as I age?

Once I'd laid that all out, it was easy to see that there were a few that stood out as good possibilities.  The top choices were:
Elliptical, Walking, Dance and Yoga. 
So with that, I tried a week's worth of each to see how I felt doing them consistently.  Voila, the cream rose to the top.  Yoga is definitely my preferred method of activity.  I also found that I liked the elliptical for getting some good cardio in 3 times a week and I dance and walk when the mood strikes.  :)

What I've found is, that I had to find something I really liked - if I wanted to make it a part of my daily life.  Activity, along with good, healthful food, sound sleep and taking relaxing time for yourself is crucial to well-being.  If you aren't active, you probably aren't as healthy as you could be - even if you're doing all the other things 'right'.  Finding something you love goes a long way to ensuring that you'll actually Do it. 

If you haven't found that thing you love yet, try mind-mapping, or just listing out some options.  And be sure to think outside the box!  There are lots of things out there - especially if you include group classes as well!  Be creative and find what works for you!  I did - and I couldn't be happier about it!

Best Wishes of Wellness!

Expand my garden or buy from a CSA...

I have been thinking about expanding my edible garden area this year.  In fact, I've been thinking about it so much that I already have a plan of how to lay it out and when to plant what.  (big surprise, right?)

But then I picked up a copy of Natural Awakenings magazine and found an article on buying locally.  I had NO IDEA that there was a farm offering the CSA program literally down the road from me!  I'm reading about this farm and what they offer and the thought hit me that I could get my local produce - farmed from less than 10 miles away - and free up my own time (that would have been spent in the garden) for other things.

For those of you reading this who live in Hendricks County, the farm is called Seldom Seen Farm and you can find them online if you click HERE. 

I also really like the idea of risk-sharing with a farm like this.  Hmmm, sounds like I've already made up my mind, doesn't it?

Now I guess I just have to decide what things I DO want to grow myself in my nice little 4 ft by 4 ft raised bed garden.  I used it as a Square Foot Garden last year, but could have optimized the space a little better.  I can also see what things Seldom Seen Farm is NOT going to produce that we really like to eat and let that be my guide. 
Wheels are turning...

Day 5 of my 30 day Yoga Challenge

I can't believe that I waited this long to start a yoga practice.  I absolutely love it! 

So far, I am enjoying a program called Beginners AM PM by YogaWorks.  This program has really detailed instructions on each move and incorporates a nice balance of poses.  I also like that we hold poses for a breath.  After I'd done it a few times, and had most of the moves and the sequence down, I've been able to do more reps of the poses as I am not waiting for her to explain each one.  So that also adds to the workout.  Additionally, I do a few more (I think they are called Restorative) poses at the end of the program - making it a full hour.
 
I watched another 'beginners' program (wish I could remember the name...) but Good Grief!  She never stops moving.  And some of the poses were way beyond my ability level yet.  I was glad that I just *watched* it and wasn't attempting to keep up at the same time.  Not only do I think I probably would have injured myself (lol), but I know I would have gotten frustrated and possibly fell into that negative self talk again - "Maybe yoga just isn't for me..."
So for now, I will stick with the YogaWorks program... if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

How's everyone else doing so far?  I know many of you have set your own challenges - I'd love to hear your feedback!  We're in this together!!

Namaste!