Exercise and the SLP
Today I’m blogging about something that has become very important to me over the past 10+ years. It’s something I try to fit into each day and although it requires me to get up really early, I need it.
Working out is something that I have a love/hate relationship with. I hate getting up to actually do it, but I love how I feel afterward. I like to run on a treadmill 3-4 days a week and the other days I’ll do a strength workout. I will say that I’m much better at cardio. I struggle with strength workouts, but I’m trying to get better about it. I purchased power block weights, which are great when you’re trying to save space because you can just change the weight as needed.
I like to do interval cardio, so I’ll do run/walk intervals. I used to run cross country in junior high and some high school, but it took me a long time to get back in it. I haven’t been in an area that is conducive to running outside, but now that we live in a townhouse complex, I may try to get outside and run more. We have plans to buy a treadmill to put in our basement, so I can do that when running outside isn’t an option.
So why do I make it a point to fit it into my day? I know that most days, sleeping longer would be better for most people!
1. I won’t say that I’m exactly a morning person, but once I’m up for 5-10 minutes, I’m awake. I’ve never been a coffee drinker, so I don’t need that either. Working out wakes me up!
2. I have to do it early because I’m so exhausted when I get home from work that there’s no way I’d do it then. I also have a toddler to run after, plus make dinner, etc. so after work doesn’t work for me.
3. It’s “me” time. Since I wake up before I get my daughter out of bed, it’s probably one of the only times I’m alone during the day. I sometimes will read or watch a TV show while running and can let my mind wander.
4. Studies have shown that exercise is good for the brain and the body. I’m the type of person that likes to break a sweat, so I know I got a good workout. I’m definitely not a yoga type person, even though I’ve heard good things about it and I’ve tried it.
5. Make it a routine. Once I made it part of my routine, it doesn’t feel like extra work anymore. Granted, when that alarm goes off I momentarily groan and think about how I’d like to stay in bed. But ultimately, I get myself up and do it.
It doesn’t have to be expensive either. I usually do a YouTube video to be perfectly honest. My favorite channels are FitnessBlender, PuzzleFit Trainer, Pop Sugar and HASfit.
Do you make working out a part of your day? What do you like to do?