Sweat Once A Day

Get dat Vitamin D!

One of the really positive parts about my little work hiatus is that I have been able to focus on fitness more than ever. Since I have so much free time, it’s become more and more difficult to find a viable excuse to skip out. The weather we’ve been having this winter does lend me some excuses, but it’s also not too difficult to work out at home if you’re motivated.

Thankfully San Diego lends itself to a warmer climate—it was just about 75 degrees every day that I was home in December. I was able to walk to various yoga and Pilates classes on a daily basis, as well as bike around my beautiful neighborhood.

I don’t own a scale, however from the few that I have been on and off in the last few months have indicated that I may have lost about seven-to-ten pounds (!!!!!), and this was over the holiday season as well! I am very proud of myself for that. I believe you should find a way to sweat once a day—it’s important to keep your body active every day. Physical activity promotes a longer and healthier life; aids in preventing bone loss; improves mood and relieves symptoms of anxiety and depression; and even helps improve sleep (as long as you don’t exercise too soon before to going to sleep).

I used to belong to Equinox Printing House, which was essentially working out in a beautiful spa surrounded by eucalyptus towels, beautiful people, stellar views and the occasional celebrity. I was so spoiled, and sadly I don’t think I’ll ever belong somewhere that nice again. Now that my work-sponsored membership is over, I’ve been forced to exercise with the plebeians once again. Thankfully it’s much more practical since my boot camp classes are fairly close to my apartment, whereas Equinox involved a commute to Manhattan.

An incredibly easy way to get exercise is walking. I don’t mean walking from your couch to your refrigerator, either. It’s much easier than you think to walk at least a mile or two every day. Instead of getting into your car to run an errand in town, just walk there. Bring a backpack to carry your goodies back, and walk your ass to the grocery store.

I personally loathe running, so you’ll never see me get exercise that way. I can’t just go to a gym and exercise either, I would much rather have someone tell me what to do and encourage me along the way. Rather than hire a personal trainer (please don’t waste your money on them, by the way), I’ve started going to 35 minute-session boot camps, and am looking for a new yoga studio to continue my practice. I believe it’s important to keep your workouts as varied as your interests, and if you’re as ADD as I am, a boot camp or similar classes that change routines each session might be a great addition to your exercise routine.

Lots of places have free weeklong or discounted month-long trial sessions, so it’s easy and not too costly to try out different styles until you find what works for you. Hey, if it helps, go buy yourself a new pair of work out shoes and some funky printed leggings, or a new yoga mat and a cozy thin sweater perfect for some in-home practice. In my case, you can do all four and then some.

Find a friend to exercise with you! Goals are always easier to reach when you have a support system, or at least someone to agonize with the day after you underestimated those kettle bells.

I will be honest with you; a commitment to fitness is not always easy. Sometimes it’s really freaking hard, and you sleep though a morning yoga class and verbally abuse yourself over it all afternoon. Don’t—it doesn’t help. Health is a long-term goal, with peaks and valleys along the way. What’s important is to enjoy the journey and eventually be in awe of everything your body can accomplish. You will begin to surprise yourself, I promise.

And if you need a workout buddy—call me, seriously! I’m pretty bi-coastal at this point; we’ll find a way to meet up :)

xo