Let's Get Physical

Healthy living varies from person to person. That means doing the thing that feels good for YOU and YOUR body.

What feels good for you can be so different than what feels good for your best friend, significant other, or whomever you inevitably decide to compare yourself to. And guess what? It’s okay for that to change regularly! Today you might decide that running feels good, and tomorrow a short walk to grab some coffee might be the move. The most important thing is to listen to your body and to give it what it needs.

In my experience, exercise has played a huge role in my life. From age 3 until now, I almost always have been active. Beginning dance lessons in my younger years, continuing to competitive dance in my teens, and now being a fourth year on the Oregon Cheerleading team, being on the move has always felt good to me. It’s fun, challenging, and most importantly, a process.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, this process came to a screeching halt. Looking back, I didn’t even consider doing anything active aside from walking, and even that was rare most days. That was because that’s what my body needed and I listened to it. Sometimes exercise is right, other times it’s not. And that is totally okay. Listen to your body and ALWAYS give it what it needs!

As of lately, running is my thing. I love to wake up, drink my coffee, and go run a mile or two to start off my day. For me, working out in the morning makes for a better day. My mind is clearer, my energy is higher, and my body just feels better. I don’t love running in the cold this time of year, so a treadmill usually does the trick. I also used to be huge on weightlifting, but as of a couple weeks ago, I’ve been more into yoga and cycling instead. In my experience, switching it up is cool as long as I’m moving.

I definitely have my mornings where I wake up and I’m just not feelin’ it, so I’ll sleep in and skip my workout. Sometimes that makes for a better day, and sometimes it makes for a worse day-- but slowly I’m starting to understand my body and recognize what it needs. It’s not an exact science, but it’s important to try and learn how to read your body to the best of your ability.

Many athletic companies like Nike and Lululemon are consistently creating campaigns and challenges that inspire anyone and everyone to get moving, no matter what that means to you. Who doesn’t love a good challenge? You can check them out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=111&v=TbZYAo2xI5A

https://news.nike.com/news/designed-to-move

https://news.nike.com/news/nike-powers-women-to-be-betterforit

We all definitely need a little inspiration sometimes, but from my experience, starting can be the hardest part.

So whatever it is you do to get moving, let’s get out and DO IT! Let’s treat our bodies right, and in turn live happier and healthier lives. Who’s with me??

Xo,

Sarah