When it comes to exercise, there is something that needs to be said – It can be enjoyable to some while being torture for others.
Approximately four years ago, I was on a mission to find an exercise program that worked, but also that was enjoyable for me.
Thinking that a different gym would be an answer, I went to several gyms attempting to find something that inspired me.
While that kickboxing gym worked great for a friend of mine, I found it difficult to do and didn’t have a great time doing it.
While HIIT classes worked for so many people I know, I simply felt sick after each visit.
Running was another avenue that was attempted, but to be truthful, my legs just gave up after about ten minutes of running which only left me drained for the rest of the day.
Knowing how important exercise is to our health, I wanted to exercise, but just couldn’t seem to find the right fit.
Interviewing gym owners in my area, they mentioned that exercise is not only good for weight control, but helps build and maintain muscle, keeps you mobile as you age, and protects your bones from injury when you build muscle.
Friends and family tell me that when they exercise, it is like therapy for them and yet, each of them do a different form of exerise. One friend loves to hike, yet going to a gym isn’t enjoyable to her. Another friend goes to the gym just about every day of the week and if she doesn’t go, she feels like something is missing from her day.
People tell me that once they do the form of exercise that they love, they feel calm and ready to take on the day. They feel like better friends, better spouses, and better parents.
Lastly, doctors will always tell people that movement of some kind is essential to good health, reducing the risk of diseases such as diabetes, and improving the quality of your life.
It took me awhile, but I did find the right exercise for me.
First, I love to walk and strive to hit 6,000 steps each day.
Second, I love pilates and have found several people on YouTube that give great advice about how to do it properly.
Third and most important, I found SoulCore which uses the prayers of the Rosary while doing core strengthening, stretching, and other low impact exercises. It works for me, isn’t torture, and doesn’t make me feel physically sick.
Self Care is vital to your overall health, your physical and mental well being, and finally, knowing that you are worth taking time for.
It’s about living instead of just existing.
As Audrey Lorde states, ” Self-care is not about self-indulgence, it’s about self-preservation.”
Terri Trepanier is the owner of Balanced Care Health and Supplemental Insurance and a licensed insurance consultant and broker with Associated Brokers. Licensed in both Maine and NH, her specialty is working with small businesses, individuals, and families with their health and life insurance needs. She is certified to offer health plans both on and off the exchange and is contracted with every health insurance company that offers plans in both New Hampshire and Maine. Her other passion is assisting Medicare beneficiaries with their Medicare Supplemental, Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans, and Medicare Advantage plans. Terri has seen firsthand the importance of insurancCare is to “Insure Security and Peace of Mind One Family at a Time”.