I am curious, what are you like when it comes to exercising? I have been going to the gym three times a week for the past three months, in the biggest concerted exercise effort to get fitter since my children were born. (I walk a ton, but I am not a big fan of gyms.) I had my first assessment a couple of weeks ago and discovered I have lost a staggering six years off my metabolic age.
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I am 41 but my body was working at the rate of an average 50 year old two months ago. That shocked me more than any weigh-in. Now it’s down to 44 and I still have a way to go but I have so much more energy, feel fitter and stronger. The time I notice it most is when I’m running around with my girls, or getting up after playing on the floor with them. ?The older I get the more I want to be fit and strong so this is fresh motivation to keep on going. And the clearer skin is just a bonus. It also reminded me that the gym is about so much more than weight or what you look like.
I have also been super inspired by Mr K who is doing an amazing job training for three back-to-back marathons in October!? What staggers me most is that he runs for hours without music. He says it’s the best time for him to think.
The lakes where I have been cycling alongside Mr K as he does his marathon training
I usually go for the 7.30am session. In fact, I just got back, and love that I am starting my day with some exercise already done and a fresh head. I’ve noticed that my favourite fitness trainers are the ones who don’t talk too much, because I love the headspace you can find when doing the same exercises over and over.
This brought to mind a conversation I had with my friend and sports journalist Tina Chantrey, Editor of Women’s Running magazine, who I interviewed for the latest instalment of my podcast. She went through a difficult divorce, and told me how running had been her sanctuary, and ultimately helped her heal. She went on to write a fascinating book about it, called The Divorce Survival Guide – if you are interested in the mindfulness and stress-relieving benefits of running, as well as wanting some tips for getting started, make sure you check out this week’s episode.
Talking about headspace and mindfulness, we had a lovely guest post here on the blog last week, all about meditation for parents. Here it is, if you missed it.
This week I challenge you to up your exercise game, whether that means running a little further, fitting in a dance class or simply taking a walk in your lunch break, and allow your mind to wander as you move.
Beth Xx
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