Schweat Sesh

The year 2020 has been quite a year so far. To say it’s full of ups and downs would be false. It’s more like the giant peaks and valleys. They have been high and deep. This year has brought me tremendous gratitude for little things I never thought to be thankful for, and such a deep feeling of helplessness and loss. Sometimes all in the same day, hour or minute. The rhythm of my morning has fluctuated quite a bit. Rarely do I pop out of bed with a smile raring to go. I feel like I need more sleep, or more time to wake. Yet, what I realized now more than ever is that when I do get up and walk around and make tea, my mind will get on board. But sometimes there is still resistance. Today I had a lot of resistance. Walking the dog around the block and a five minute meditation didn’t help. I needed to sweat.

I have a regular workout routine that is a high priority in my life. Holding myself accountable is the key to keeping this a priority. Every week I take a look at my schedule, see what classes I will like and I sign up for a week's worth of classes. Once the class is in my calendar, I stick to it like it's my job and I show up even if I’m not in the mood.

Exercise and mood have a serious relationship. Data shows that people who are active are generally happier. Those who exercise regularly have fewer days of poor mental health. Exercising increases serotonin and helps regulate mood, sleep and appetite. After I decided to stop taking my antidepressants years ago the one thing that supported me the most was having a work out routine. Even just light body movement and a little glisten of sweat will get you there. After years of putting this into practice I am still amazed every single time. It never fails, I show up to do it, even with full on resistance in my body. Every part of my brain says this will suck, this will hurt, I'm so tired. I give myself the option to go slow, I manage expectations. Showing up is good enough. But as soon as I start I’m in it and I am surprised how quickly resistance gives way to engagement and when I’m done I never regret it. I feel energized and also proud of myself and my commitment.

Workouts at home can be challenging for some. But, the following classes have kept my home workouts interesting, effective and full of range. These are the three that are tried and true and in my calendar and I would love to pass the gems onto you.

1. PVolve

This is a workout done with resistance bands, light ankle and hand weights, gliders and a cool piece of equipment called the Pball. But you really don’t need any of it to get a great workout. I like it because my body isn’t in a fight or flight moment during the workout. It’s very challenging but I’m not pushing myself into territory that will cause my heart rate to spike. They do have cardio class options but the instructor always cues to listen to your body and go slower if you need. Sometimes I need that reminder because I can tend to over do it and wear myself down. This workout is full body but really targets thighs, butt and abs. What else do you need?

2. Yoga with Amber

Amber is a gem in the rough. I have been practicing with her for a long time. Amber’s yoga sequencing is smart and creative and she has a wonderful perspective on yoga. She has a subtle way of weaving psychological themes into her classes. Her style helps you tune into the mind and body connection. She is warm and strong and you can feel it emanating out of her through the zoom classes and online youtube classes.

3. Yoga in the house

This yoga platform is SO fun! Mitchel and Tracy are amazing yoga teachers. They have years of combined knowledge they have an incredible sense of cueing the body that brings me deeper into the experience in subtle and surprising ways. Mitchel tells wonderful stories of the Hindu deities and how they relate to asana practice. Tracy is a soulful writer who shares her words with ease and helps you tune into your heart. They have everything, guided meditation, poetry, mini dharma talks, and of course fluid movement and yoga poses. They have one live class a week and tons of great classes that can be accessed anytime. I love it because I can do it whenever I want. Sometimes my schedule changes last minute and I like having the option to do a class wherever and whenever.

4. AllTrails

I am a firm believer that nature heals. I get outside as much as I can. I do what my body wants, if it's a .5 mile run then that’s it. It also might be a 45 mile bike ride. I just listen and sometimes it's a stroll around the neighborhood with my dog. When you put yourself into nature there are so many healing properties that grass and trees and air free of city smog has. This app has helped me discover tons of new places close to the city, and it's user friendly.

If you are interested in personal training below are awesome options for you too. I have worked out with these folks on and off and it really helps me dial in my workouts and my form.