The best way to move your body

We've almost made it through January. How are those resolutions going?

And if you didn't make any, that's great. If you did and you've fallen off the wagon, try this blog post.

If exercising more has been an intention you've wanted to act on but are a bit stuck on what..then let me reassure you that there is no 'perfect' exercise for everyone, but that movement IS good for all of us.

The best way to move your body is the way that you want to move it!

We get to choose how to move. Yes, it could be coming along to one of my exercise classes where I'll help you gain strength and fitness, but it could be a regular walk, or bike ride, dance class, a swim, a pilates or yoga class.

I believe that there should be some joy in movement, if we're going to make it consistent. The joy could be in who you share it with, or the feeling of doing something just for you. It could be in the setting, or in the feeling of getting better at something. It could be in the headspace or the location.

It also varies. When I was teaching my beginner running course I always let those taking part know to expect that at least one run in 10 would feel like a 'bad run'. A slow one, or a hard one, or one where you couldn't get the rhythm right. And I think it's the same for any class, or exercise. Sometimes it's just not the right moment.

You could have had a bad night's sleep, not eaten well, be recovering from a cold or virus, be in the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle, or just be having a low energy day.

I adapt my exercise habits to how I feel, and to my menstrual cycle. In my classes I always say that rest isn't cheating, it's about listening to your body. You are winning if you're listening enough to take it easy when you need to. You are definitely not giving up.

I've got a couple of spaces in my classes from February if you'd like to get in touch, or you can book a 1:1 exercise inspiration session - where I take you through a process to find a way to create an exercise habit to suit you.

Drop me a line if you'd like a chat about either.

How do you want to feel this autumn?

This is a question I started asking clients earlier in the summer. Because sometimes it takes a bit of work. The answers that came back at me were 'calm', 'in control', 'ready for action' and 'relaxed'.

The run up to the school summer holidays in July can sometimes feel pretty manic. And whether or not you have children around, prepping for a holiday can often feel quite stressful when you're juggling family, work, pets, and all that goes with it, so I guess it's no wonder that feeling calm and relaxed were high priorities.

So, I hope you're having a wonderfully relaxing summer, enjoying the sunshine and taking some time to reflect on all you've achieved so far this year. 

Feel calm and relaxed this autumn

So, what can you do to feel calm, relaxed and in control this Autumn?

If you sit still for a moment, perhaps just as you wake up in the morning, or just before you go to sleep you can ask this question and you may find some answers. 

It could be simple things like planning out your week on a Sunday evening so that you know where you need to be and what you need to do and when. Or planning a week of healthy nutritious meals and getting the online shop organised (I'm a HUGE fan of the benefits of online food shopping plus a locally sourced veg box). Or it could be that it's time to commit to a bit more self care - whether that's a massage, a meditation class, getting back into exercise (see my class timetable below!) or booking in some time off for you each week. 

My online summer programme has been all about self care strategies and testing out new habits. If you'd like to be part of a similar group this autumn then you can sign up for the 6 week self care programme here. 

I LOVE the autumn. It's a great time of year to be outside and watch the season change, and I usually have lots of lovely new clients to meet in classes and on courses (more on those below). It feels like a fresh start too, and a new pair of running shoes is my equivalent of new school uniform and fresh stationery. 

Details on classes for September are below, and I look forward to seeing you there, and inspiring you to a truly feel good autumn.

Let me know if you have any questions. 
 

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash