This week, I am linking up with Kookyrunner and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics and we’re talking about the best fitness advice we’ve ever received.
I’ve gotten some good advice over the years, and I’ve written about a few good pieces of advice before, but here are three things I really try to take to heart:
Find a sport that you love.
No really. If you seriously want to get into a healthy fitness routine, you need to find something that truly lifts your spirit. Don’t pick something, because your best friend does it (although working out together can be a huge motivational booster!), but that you actually hate doing. If working out is one more chore on your list, I will predict that you’re not going to stick with it for the long run (no pun intended). The great news is: there are a ton of different workouts/exercises to choose from, PLUS you can always switch it up to keep things interesting. It’s not like you have to pick and then be stuck with that one sport forever.
Listen to your body.
I strongly believe that I have run 5+ years injury-free because I have listened to my body, took breaks when I needed them and made cross-training and rest days a priority! I am not competing in the Olympics and don’t have to beat up my body to win a gold medal. I am just trying to keep a sustainable fitness routine that keeps me fit and healthy well into the future with an occasional race thrown in where I can test my limits.
Be consistent.
That’s it. Just show up. It doesn’t matter if you do 10 minutes of yoga in the morning or show up for a (half) marathon on race day. Being consistent in your efforts and dedication to keep your body moving and healthy is one of the most important things you can do for yourself.
Start small, add 15 minutes of moving into your day and then build from there. You’ll be surprised how fast your body will ‘crave’ the movement and routine!
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There you have it. Three very simple, but very effective pieces of advice, IMHO.
What’s the best fitness advice that you have received?
Chocolaterunsjudy
September 1, 2020 at 11:17 amTheses are all great advice! Especially being consistent!
San
September 2, 2020 at 8:56 amThank you for stopping by, Judy!
Kimberly Hatting
September 1, 2020 at 11:27 amI love this! I have often said that “I’m not an Olympian, so I don’t need to train like one” LOL You definitely hit all the basics on this, especially loving what you do and being consistent.
San
September 2, 2020 at 8:57 amThanks Kim. I am glad you also said that you also don’t train for the Olympics lOl
Catrina
September 1, 2020 at 11:14 pmI love running and I’m consistent…but I’m very bad at listening to my body.
I overtrain, ignore pain signals and hate rest days. A great combination for injury!
So for me, listening to your body and taking breaks is the best advice. :-)
San
September 2, 2020 at 8:57 amAh dang, I know how hard it is when you want to do something but know it’s better to take a rest day and not push through any pain. Hope you’ll get better at this.
Kristen Woolsey
September 2, 2020 at 6:29 amJust what I needed to read today! Love the tip about just showing up. That’s half the battle in my opinion.
San
September 2, 2020 at 8:57 amAbsolutely half the battle ;)
Deborah Brooks
September 2, 2020 at 7:05 amFinding something you love to do is key. Exercise is not a punishment for me but something that I look forward to doing and feel good about after I do it. Always have fun!
San
September 2, 2020 at 8:58 amExactly, exercise shouldn’t feel like punishment, ever!
kim g
September 2, 2020 at 10:35 amBeing consistent is so important! It’s hard to stay consistent, but I find that even when I don’t want to workout, I always feel better when it’s done.
Thanks for linking up! :)
San
September 2, 2020 at 1:13 pmI definitely feel better if I stick to my routine! Sometimes it’s harder than other times, but it’s always worth it.
Lisa of Lisa's Yarns
September 2, 2020 at 1:23 pmFinding something you enjoy doing is so key. I feel like people pressure themselves into doing something because it’s popular with others. Like running! But if you don’t enjoy it, you won’t stick with it. I will say I did not enjoy running after having Paul as I was so chesty while pumping and running just didn’t feel good. So I gave myself a break from the sport. I look forward to getting back to it sometime in 2021, though!
Zenaida Arroyo
September 5, 2020 at 5:02 amYes, listen to your body. That one is so important too. I forgot to add it to my list.
Thank you for linking up with us!