My Take on Exercise

Here I am with my sister at Wedgemount Lake. Hiking is one of my favorite activities and has been since I was a kid!

I’m often asked if I provide exercise advice as well as nutrition, and the truth is I don’t. It’s not my area of expertise and therefore I have a hard time knowing what to recommend. To be completely honest, I’ve been a little soft when it comes to encouraging daily activity to my clients, worrying that these recommendations could put them outside of their comfort zone.

In July, I went to an inspiring presentation by Louise Greene ambassador to #BigFitGirls. (Check out her book!) I left the presentation inspired to help my clients get exercise into their lives.

Exercise doesn’t necessarily mean going to the gym or doing crunches. Personally I don’t really like the gym, I let my Club 16 membership go unused for probably six months. I just couldn’t motivate myself to go and when I left the gym I was not motivated to return… This is by no means the fault of the gym, I just felt lonely and bored when I was there. Why would I want to keep feeding those negative feelings?

So here are some tips that might help you navigate your preferences

1.    Find something you enjoy – I found soccer. Soccer wasn’t a new sport to me but I hadn’t played since I tore my ACL in 2012. With a friend, I took a leap of faith and joined an individual’s team in early 2016. Turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and we both still play on the team now.

2.    Make it part of your routine – Again, whether it’s playing soccer once a week or walking to the grocery store instead of driving or riding your bike to work. It’s crucial you make it YOUR routine, just like any change we need time to make a habit of it. I want to add here that I used my Fitbit to really help me track whether or not I was making walking a part of my routine. I have Fitbit One and I love it, if you don't have your own Fitbit check out this link.

3.    Don’t give up on what you used to love – Louise Greene recommends thinking back to when you were a kid, what type of activities did you do FOR FUN. For me it’s soccer, swimming and being outside. Did you love to dance or ride your bike or run around?

4.    Get a buddy – like the friend I joined the soccer team with or my boyfriend who is always getting me outside. Personal trainers are great for this, not only will you be challenged but you can also socialize! Join a yoga class and make the effort to introduce yourself to the teacher

Hold up, don’t get discouraged!

I believe anyone can be an active person. Getting exercise into my routine really did help me feel good about myself (and lose weight) and could do the same for you! Let me know what are you going to try!

-Megan, your coach

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