Inside Out Fitness is an intuitive, internally directed approach to exercise. Previously, we looked at the benefits of being internally directed about fitness. The best benefit is that you end up with a clear, safe, easy and effective pathway to improved mobility and energy. Ah, doesn’t that sound nice?
We’ve also looked at how being able to “hear” your body is a key to Inside Out Fitness. You can begin to “hear” your body by doing a small gentle exercise; and then, listening to your body’s response. These are skills you will develop with practice, over time. If this approach sounds interesting or good to you, feel free to find past columns at sfbaytimes.com
Today we will explore how you decide what you are going to do about exercise, and why that decision is important. Here is how we define being successful at Inside Out Fitness: Doing what I said I would do about exercise consistently and without struggle. Read that line again. You might even write it down. “Doing what I said I would do.” The first step is deciding what you are going to say that you are going to do. This is you making an exercise promise. Then, you do it!
How many times have you resolved to exercise and then not followed through? Have you ever felt overwhelmed with the advice from your doctor or other professionals? Have you felt frustrated with yourself? Maybe you feel defeated because it seems like your family or friends have figured this fitness thing out and it just eludes you.
Don’t worry; you’re not alone. There are so many people in a constant state of self-blame and frustration because they can’t seem to get over the exercise hump. There’s nothing wrong. You just haven’t found the right approach for you. That’s where Inside Out Fitness comes in.
Keep in mind that there is no quick fix when it comes to fitness, no matter what bill of goods anyone tries to sell you. It all comes down to just the next step. When a client first comes to me, I help them decide what the best next step is because most people bite off more than they can chew and then give up. I don’t want that to happen to you.
Make your decision about what you’re going to do, and make this, your exercise promise, a small step. Really small. Smaller than you can even imagine.
I just started a new client who is getting over a long illness and she’s starting with a 1-minute exercise promise consisting of shoulder rolls and butt squeezes. Another client got started by walking 4 driveways down and back because a whole block was too much. Another client walked around her tiny backyard 4 times because she didn’t want to be in public early in the morning. Another client started by walking 1 time around her car. I have lots of small step exercise videos on YouTube. Just search for Cinder Ernst.
Begin with a small promise, one you can keep easily. Pay no mind to fitness guidelines or exercise prescriptions. You’re not going to run a marathon tomorrow anyway, so just chill and keep it simple and easy. Make it just right for your body and your schedule. If your brain starts driving you crazy by saying it’s not enough, just say to yourself, “Relax, we’re trying something new here.” It’s going to be easier than you think. I promise!
Cinder Ernst, Medical Exercise Specialist and Life Coach Extraordinaire, helps reluctant exercisers get moving with safe, effective and fun programs. Find out more at http://cinderernst.com
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