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YOU DO!
So many women get caught up in wanting to know what is the the perfect workout. Should they be doing HIIT, Circuits, Crossfit, Tabata? The reality is what makes a great workout is YOU, a great MINDSET and MOVING your body.
Yes, some types of workouts are better for cardiovascular health, some are better for building muscle and reducing your risk of osteoporosis and some are amazing for improving your mindset.
The key to making exercise a part of your life is focussing on including exercises that you ENJOY. Include a good mix of cardio, resistance, and mindfulness activities.
As I’ve gotten older, the type and frequency of my exercises has changed a lot.
This is to be expected!
In my 20’s and 30’s I overtrained. I used exercise to control my weight and improve my mindset, I wasn’t really focussed on health, it was more about how I looked.
Now is a different story. Sure, it’s great to feel great in bikinis but that’s not my driving force.
My number 1 reason for exercising is my health.
By including a certain level of regular exercise I’m;
- Reducing my risk of cancer reoccurring by over 60%
- Reducing my risk of osteoporosis
- Reducing my risk of heart disease
- Reducing my risk of type2 diabetes
- Improving my mental health
In terms of the types of exercise I do, this has also changed.
I used to love running, not so much anymore. The medication I’m on makes my joints a bit sore and running doesn’t feel as great as it used to.
Now I love jumping on the spin bike or heading outside for a walk in the fresh air. I also prefer to workout on my own. I’m not a fan of gyms so we made the choice to sacrifice the car being in a garage for our own home gym.
I wouldn’t give it up for the world. I love nothing more that cranking up the aircon and having the music booming!
Each week I focus on a mixture of strength and cardio activities simply because they are great for my mindset (walking/yoga).
The reality is you don’t need fancy equipment to have an amazing workout. When I started out, I used an old crusty weight bench with a rusty bar and a couple of plates on the back patio.
It did the trick.
Today, I had the best workout on a very old, very rusty spin bike which still works fine. I used my tripod to hold my phone so I could do an RPM class. The speaker was booming and the fan on full speed.
It was AWESOME!!!
(Can’t foget my training buddy Max was also there 😂)
I used to go to classes in my 20’s & 30’s. I don’t have time to drive in for that anymore and I don’t actually like it. I’m pretty good at yelling at myself on the spin bike and purposely set it up in front of the mirror so I can push myself!!!
Yes, I am a crazy lady in the gym and can be found yelling at myself.
This morning was a short 25 minute spin bike session and the difference to my mindset before and after are worlds apart.
That’s why I exercise when I can’t be bothered.
If you want to improve your mood, fitness, and health, focus on finding some exercises you ENJOY.
Make it work for you.
It may be as simple as starting with some walking and bodyweight exercises.
Remember, it’s all about PROGRESS not PERFECTION.
Starting is the first step.
Next step, pushing yourself that bit more each week and creating some great routines.
You can feel amazing, but the first step is YOU making an effort to change and making it happen!
💗 Hilds
