♥
I’ve long been the type of person to leave things until the last minute, am perpetually late, and disorganised would probably be my middle name if my parents could have seen into the future! Lucky for me, they couldn’t and I ended up with a more suitable “Kristen” instead of “Disorganised”.
This applies to many aspects of my life, including getting fit & healthy. I’ve put it off for SO LONG now. Sporadically taking up yoga classes for a term, not showing to half of them, joining the gym for a few months going 4 days a week then going cold turkey… I think a lot of people can relate to my inconsistencies.
Personally, I’ve no need to lose weight – I’m actually trying to put some on, but I’ve never been “FIT & HEALTHY” in that ideal way where flouncing up a flight of stairs comes easily, thieves need not take chase because I’d be worn out after the first two steps… you get the idea!
I also think there’s a fairly large misconception going around that thin = fit. I’ve always been thin, but unfit & still get incredulous looks when I talk about my exercise regime and frequently hear “But you don’t need to exercise!”.
However, I do! I really, really do! I decided this year was going to be the year that I really went for it and am going for fitness slowly but steadily by attending 2-3 yoga / body balance classes a week to start out. I feel so much more positive in general, I can feel my strength improving week by week (such a good feeling!) and I’m already noticing changes in the way my body looks & what it is capable of.
Everyone should work towards their own personal fitness & wellbeing goals, no matter what category you’re thrown into by the people around you “too skinny”, “too big”, “too old”.. ignore them and do what you need to do that is going to make you feel your best!
For me this means the aforementioned exercise classes, a massage once a month, spending as much time as possible with my gorgeous friends, connecting with like-minded people (that’s you!) & eating healthily to the best of my ability!
What are your own fitness & wellbeing goals? I’d love to hear!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
Great post Annette! I can definitely relate to this. Its amazing how much better you feel when you are really taking care of yourself. I applaude you for being so proactive about fulfilling your desires to improve not only your own wellbeing, but that of others too! I’m inspired! x
Thanks so much Heather, I forgot to post a comment inviting readers to share their personal fitness & wellbeing goals and what they’re doing to achieve them.. so if you’d like to get the ball rolling 😀 No pressure though! xo
Really well said, Annette. After taking charge of my fitness about two years ago, I haven’t looked back. I’ve had obvious physical changes but the mental ones have been so much more significant for me.
I also can relate to the whole “you don’t need to exercise!” reaction from people, which I understand may be their way of saying we don’t look chubs, but losing weight is not the only reason to exercise! Although, it certainly plays a role in weight management when you eat as much as ermm… me 😀
Thanks for the great post Annette – and you are right thin doesn’t mind healthy or fit, as i’ve always sttruggled with my weight (i need to lose some) i’ve always thought how lucky thin people are that they don’t have to exercise. I now know that this is a poor attitude to have and its of no benefit to me or others……so I’m now focusing on my wellbeing and increasing my fitness – i’ve joined a gym that offers zumba classes, take public transport to work (gives me the opporunity to walk) and incorporate activity when organising weekend outings!
My goal is to become more in-tune with myself spiritually, and to do this I became pecatarian (1 1/2 years ago) and began yoga classes as I feel so completely happy, beautiful, relaxed and awakened when I am doing yoga. I also aim to live close to nature by eating whole foods, using natural products where I can, consuming less overall and listening to my body. Recently I have been felling stressed, anxious and generally out of wack, so I am going to get back into yoga (I haven’t been in a little while) and start looking after myself better! We all need to give ourselves a little TLC sometimes 🙂 xo
Hi Conor, thanks!
What did you start out doing 2 years ago and what changes have you noticed? How often do you work out? I’m so interested in what other people are up to and how it’s been of benefit to them!
I have started eating SO MUCH MORE now that I’ve started exercising?! It’s like my body has been laying dormant and now it says, well, now we TOTES need more fuel. I am just going at everything like there is no tomorrow!
Enjoying it though ;D
Eleni – it’s so awesome that you’re going to Zumba! I’ve never been but am pretty interested in it. Yeah so many people think thin = don’t bother with exercise, but I think if people realised that exercise is one of the most positive things you can do for your mind, it would help with all the other issues too 🙂
I want to take up swimming for overall strength, but winter isn’t really the best time for that is it!
x
Heather – what yoga classes do you go to? I loooooooooooove yoga 🙂 I find that the green smoothies help with anxiety as well!
Same with porridge and banana in the morning – it has all the lovely proteins and vitamins our brain needs to keep a calm and stable mood & also avoids blood sugar spikes and crashes which I personally find stress me out.
Hello! I go to Tamara Yoga in Claremont – I’d be happy to write something about it if you want!? I love it there! 🙂 Thank you for the anxiety tips. I agree that sugar spikes make you more anxious! I definitely function better on a hearty porridge for breakfast 🙂 And I’m loving green smoothies! Unfortunately there are some stressers that food just cannot fix 🙁 x