I have lately observed that there are certain times when my exercise rhythm is off or non-existent, and when I get so caught up in the ‘busyness’ of my day and the many things that I feel I’m responsible for or that need completing (ie. work, family etc.), that my exercise routine seems to be one of the first things that gets neglected.
I noticed that the busier I was, the more I was neglecting my exercise rhythm and routine… and the longer the gaps were between exercising. To add to this, I was also feeling more tired – which seemed to exacerbate the desire to even do any exercise in the first place, even if I did have time!
I was recently offered the opportunity to join a 4 week online exercise program offered by Danielle Pirera (Re-Connect Exercise), and even though I’ve enjoyed attending these classes in the past, my first response was “I haven’t got time!” There was no pressure to commit either way, however I was presented with the possibility that the exercise classes would actually be an opportunity to support me with everything else I was doing. I could feel that deep down this was absolutely true and that neglecting my exercise rhythm was neither feeling right nor supporting me in my day, so it became an easy choice to join the online program and make a specific commitment to completing one 45 min exercise group class each week.
What I have found most supportive is that the exercise program is presented in a way that encourages connection with my body – feeling how I want to exercise on each particular day – which I’ve found varies from week to week.
The exercise program has not been about doing the exercises a certain way, at a certain pace or level of intensity or how many reps or even doing the exercise the same way as Danielle, the presenter. In fact I’ve felt encouraged to simply feel my body moving, and to feel what’s right in every exercise. Led by example, the focus has not been on the technique of the exercise, but simply staying connected to my body and the quality of the movements.
In this, I’m learning more and more that exercise is not about what I do or how many or for how long, but ‘how’ I do it. And the other thing I’m learning is to not make my exercise routine so serious (!) …. to keep it light and playful.
With each exercise group I’ve felt how important it is to do what feels right for me in that particular session. By being encouraged to focus on this and committing to the exercise group every week, I’ve also found that my exercise rhythm outside of the classes is much more accessible and realistic. For example, if I had felt pressured or an expectation that I had to do ½ hour’s exercise every day, I would probably consider skipping exercise altogether! However for me, committing to 10-15 minutes, 2 times a week is something that is manageable and a great place for me to start.
This has also helped me realise that it’s the commitment and connection to myself that’s important as the foundation for exercise, not necessarily the amount of time spent.
I have found these exercise groups provide a true inspiration of a connected way of exercising, supported by the fact that they are taught by example. For example, it’s not uncommon for Danielle to express that her body feels a bit stiff and sore on that particular day and that she is going to move a little slower or not stretch so high, while at the same time providing support and suggestions for others to move faster or make their movements larger if that’s what they feel in their body.
In moments like these, I am being offered the opportunity and inspiration to honour my own body in exactly the same way, whether it’s to take the exercise more gently or increase to an intensity I feel is right for me. Exercising this way is a totally different way of exercising than I have ever experienced before. To have a fitness trainer teach and present this way – in a way that honours her own body – is not only unheard of, but is deeply inspiring as a true way to exercise.
I am still establishing the depth of the connection with my body, but am now starting to feel more of a quality and presence in my exercise routine and exercise rhythm.
With each exercise class I am learning how important it is to honour what I feel in my body, and not to exercise according to a set structure, technique or time frame or with an outcome of achieving a set result.
As I commit to my exercise rhythm I am experiencing more and more how this supports me in all of the other things I need to do in a day. I have more energy and am feeling less tired, supported by my exercise routine that is teaching me to connect to my body and be more present with Me.
By Angela Perin, aged 48, Brisbane
568 Comments
Thank you, Angela a great sharing about exercise and one that breaks through ideas around exercise being about the end result e.g.. for a toned body, to loose weight, to be a certain shape etc. I find the days I go ‘I haven’t time’ are the days the support is more important and this is when I bring more attention to how I am exercising. And then once I have started, the time taken feels no big deal and my body can release and feels more energised.
So true, Julie. When I feel a bit off, exercise falls down the priority list very quickly, but if I am connected to myself and my body I can feel what it needs and simply respond to that.
It is great to see the different ways people go about exercise and how it really supports our daily rhythm, I am still finding my way with it, not doing too much or too little but really letting my body be honest about what it needs. The one thing I can say is that exercise is a very personal thing, that my relationship with my body can really support with.
Yes, I agree, Amina. It is great to give yourself permission to experiment with exercise and what your body enjoys, to banish all the mental ideas of what is supposed to be good for you.
Thank you Angela, I am currently doing a twice a week reconnect exercise programme with Danielle and you have fully expressed what I have been experiencing with this way of exercising. It is all about HOW you do not HOW INTENSE as Jessica says above. It is totally changing the way I exercise and the way I am with my body. Having never enjoyed the formal very prescribed exercise regimes I undertook in the past, in which I often forced myself to the point of hurting myself to keep up with others, this is revolutionary!
I am actually enjoying learning to exercise in a much more connected way, feeling what is going on in my body as I go and doing what I feel, often something totally different to Danielle which it is very amusing at times and playful, and I am amazed at how much my body has strengthened without the use of force or push to get it to that point. It actually feels gorgeous to be part of the group, each person expressing themselves through moving in their own beautiful and unique way, in their own timing, no competition, and also feeling the connection and support between us all. Re-connect exercise in many ways.
Thank you, Jeanette, it is great that you have brought up this point. When I have attended one of Danielle’s exercise classes, what I have always felt at the end is the joy of doing the class in my own way, and seeing everyone else do the same. It is so liberating and really good fun.
Angela I can very much relate to what you have written and have after about a year of letting my exercise get very sporadic, re-commited to allowing myself to enjoy my own movement through exercise. I love the way exercising can feel like a constant exploration and a flowing conversation, so apart from coming away from a session feeling great I’ve also just spent the best time simply being with me! You’re absolutely right when you say “is not about what I do or how many or for how long, but ‘how’ I do it”
That’s lovely, Rosanna, to come away from an exercise session feeling how lovely it was to spend time simply being with yourself. True exercise is a joyful confirmation that we are in a strong and supportive relationship with our body.
So true Rosanna and Janet, I totally agree. My relationship with exercise used to be under the belief of ‘feel the burn’ and ‘no gain without pain’. As a result I intensely hated exercise and avoided it at all costs. Today I love exercising as I have come to understand it is about a connection with myself first, funnily enough the results I get are far more powerful with no pain and all the gain. Thank you Danielle for supporting so many to connect to what truly loving exercise is.
That is so true Rosanna, the ‘how we do’ can be so delicious. I am really enjoying feeling my body when I exercise and working out gently really supports me to do that. I found gym work was basically designed to make my body hurt, and as I didn’t want to feel the pain, I would not stay with my body while I worked out. I suppose that what all the tellies and loud music are for, to help us distract ourselves from the pain we are causing ourselves it the name of health! In contrast I am finding that gentle, constant exercises enable me to stay with my body, enjoying how the stretching and moving feels and tenderly finding out where my body requires some support, instead of bullying it into submission!
A great article Angela and what you say sounds very familiar as I have noticed that exercise can be one of the first things to miss in a busy day but I have learned that it is the one thing that supports a busy day.
“I have more energy and am feeling less tired, supported by my exercise routine that is teaching me to connect to my body and be more present with Me.”
That sums it up beautifully, thank you.
Another great exposure of the madness of abandoning self when things get busy; particularly as I learn over and over again that the only thing that holds and supports me is to stay fully connected (actually deepen the connection) with myself and then go about my day.
I know that feeling well, ‘exercise can be one of the first things to miss in a busy day”. I’m learning to clock that ‘I’m too busy’ thought and reverse the psychology… using it as a reminder to get up, take a walk or do something active to make sure I stay in my body and don’t get too focussed on the busyness.
I know exactly what you mean that when we get busy, my exercise routine too goes straight out the door. An interesting scenario showing me that I put the world and ‘have to do’ before truly caring for myself.
Angela. Lovely blog. It is not always possible to do one’s daily exercise routines, due to other factors, that may hinder them. Even if you can find 10/15 mins just to do some form of keep fit, you are not deserting your routine totally.
Very true Mike. It is so easy to become rigid in our approach to exercise and give ourselves a hard time when we don’t manage to do what we ‘think’ we should be doing. It’s great to have an exercise rhythm, but we also have a rhythm to our lives of which exercise is only a part. Yes even 10/15 mins of exercise if nothing else is possible is still honouring ourselves.
I’m so inspired to start exercising, I can feel my body sighing with relief.
great reminder, that it is not what we do, but how we do it. I love to move my body and I have always known if I can stay out of my head, everything flows easier. I am working on bringing this flow into other parts of my life. Thank you Universal Medicine for supporting me in my life, and helping me remember all I have forgotten.
Super interesting Susan, you would think that if you exercise you would feel more tired, and if you don’t exercise you would feel less tired – but in fact in my experience and as you have explained, it is the other way around!
That has also been my experience Jessica. When I make time for even a 10 minute session of exercise it gets my blood circulating and I feel more energized. I notice how by starting my day in this way actually makes my whole day flow with more ease.
I agree Debra, I love starting my day with even a small workout, it really supports me keeping a relationship with my body.
Very true Debra and a daily regime I am working towards, in the past I had pushed myself very hard when it came to exercise and now I really enjoy having fun with it and enjoying myself as I move. This has become a great revelation for me.
I agree a daily short routine really gets the blood flowing and body feeling energised.
I agree Jessica and Susan, when i think about it, it does not make sense that exercising gives you more energy but it is true as I know it does! I can clearly see the difference in my energy levels throughout the day when I have done some exercise in the morning or not.
Very good point, Jessica. Definitely super interesting how it works in ways we wouldn’t expect. Perhaps it’s because our view of exercise to begin with isn’t to gain energy but to tire us out, based on old experiences. I’ve discovered the intention behind the exercise is what either energises or drains me.
To add to this… I know for me now that if I say I’m going to commit to exercise and then get too busy or distracted etc., and miss out on starting my day with this, the day just doesn’t feel right and I don’t feel as energised. It’s not the feeling I had years ago (where I associated skipping exercise with guilt or potential weight gain etc ) however I am coming to recognise this as the feeling of not commuting to and honouring support for me and my body. So for me, when I truly listen to my body and what it need, it’s really a no brainer.
Fabulous Angela – I love how you have presented that it is all about HOW you do exercise, not necessarily HOW MUCH or HOW INTENSE you do it – I think this overwhelms many people, as you say, if you have an expectation that you should have to do an hour or so a day, then this can be great encouragement to give up if you don’t have this kind of time!
So true Jessica, I admit that the thought of an hour or so a day is overwhelming for me and I have a range of excuses before I even start but the way Angela suggests, keeping it fun and according to how you feel on the day makes total sense. Inspirational!
I agree Jessica – it is important ‘HOW you do exercise, not necessarily HOW MUCH or HOW INTENSE you do it’. When I go to gyms I am always amazed how people seem to go crazy, seemingly almost killing themselves on running machines, or trying to cycle to a state of collapse – I would understand slightly if they were training for an event but to put this much stress on the body when you are not an athlete is unnatural for it (even if you are an athlete it is unnatural for it – but you could say it is used to it!). It put me off gyms and exercise but I have come to realise how supportive doing exercise is for my body and how much it supports me at work.
So true James. People pound away on the treadmill, and force themselves to lift weights so heavy that they are pushing well past what their body can naturally do – this can be seen by the fact they swing their whole body to push and shove the weights around.
Also interesting how many people do this whilst transfixed by the television screens or SMS’ing. Hilarious that I have seen someone send an SMS in the middle of a set of push ups – really!
Brings it back to your and Jessica’s point. It is how you do it, not how much.
Thanks, Jessica, this is great – it is all about HOW rather than HOW MUCH. In the past I have set myself a distance, time frame or number of lengths in the pool before I even start exercising, and realise now how little connection to myself and my body there is in doing so. Exercise then becomes a bit of a punishment rather than something loving that you do for yourself to look after your body and strengthen it so that you can enjoy an active life.
I have also enjoyed some classes with Danielle Pirera and they have been very light and play-full which I have so appreciated. Exercising helps me, too, to be more alert and vibrant as I go about my day.
Dear Angela, I find this really inspiring as establishing a regular exercise rhythm something with which I have always struggled. “I am learning how important it is to honour what I feel in my body, and not to exercise according to a set structure, technique or time frame or with an outcome of achieving a set result” and “This has also helped me realise that it’s the commitment and connection to myself that’s important as the foundation for exercise, not necessarily the amount of time spent.” I find truly helpful.
Thank you Angela for inspiring me to re-explore my relationship with exercise. I know I feel better for it but I can really relate to it being the thing that gets dropped when I am feeling too busy.
How lovely to hear you reclaim exercise. I absolutely know the game you play in your head around “being too busy” or “not having enough time for exercise”…but in reality that doesn’t stop you moving. The key you say is to work with someone like Danielle to be reminded of the depth of self honouring available and to apply that into a regular rhythm within your day, week cycle to truly support you. What is also interesting is the more of these little “rhythms” we apply then the more our life actually becomes rhythmical which naturally dissolves that feeling of busyness. Love it.
Thanks Angela, what you say certainly resonates with me. I feel I get a lot more out of exercising when I listen to how my body feels rather than going all ‘gung ho’. Your line ‘This has also helped me realise that it’s the commitment and connection to myself that’s important as the foundation for exercise, not necessarily the amount of time spent.’ is very true and for me it takes away that belief that I used to have about having to spend a certain amount of time exercising to get a certain benefit.
We (ab)use it as a cliffhanger to not even start exercising to “that belief that I used to have about having to spend a certain amount of time exercising to get a certain benefit.” don’t we?! It is actually simply a choice. To allow the body decide. I’m still hanging there too. Simply saying nothing else then: “I don’t claim my body and offer it, what it deserves to have.” Time to walk on *
I agree Tim. Going all out and ‘gung ho’ brings in a force that can often lead to you over exerting your body leaving you tired and sore the following day making you less likely to exercise the next day, and the next.… Although your intention is to take care of your body the creation of the dramatic highs and lows from pushing your body too much makes you less likely to commit to exercising consistently. Our bodies loves gentle regular exercise that provides a steady support to our body, its that simple.
Beautiful Angela, thank you for sharing such an important realisation about exercise. It is very inspiring, with all the ideals out there on how to exercise and the roller coaster effects that happen, when it cannot be maintained.
I too realise the benefits of exercising in gentleness with my body, and how it makes all the difference and as you have shared becomes an enormous consistant support in my life and my whole body.
A very inspiring blog. It makes so much sense to be connected with our bodies during exercise. At the gym so many people stare at the TV or read while they are exercising. On the treadmills in my gym they have connection to the internet with a fast track to Facebook! All these distractions simply take us away from our bodies and we go into automatic, leaving out bodies to just drag on through with no regard for what they truly need. It feels so lovely to be with our bodies while we are moving, and we have an opportunity to really feel what is needed rather than imposing an exercise regime onto ourselves. Thank you for sharing your story.
Wow, Facebook on treadmills – whatever next?! This reveals that the general incentive to do exercise nowadays is not about connection to the body but ticking a box: ‘do exercise for the day – check’. And so having the internet on the treadmill enables people to tick multiple boxes at once!
Great point Janet – the focus is always on the ‘doing’ – and then we can get to the goal or desired result. That in itself makes it a chore to do.
Instead if we feel what we want to do, keep it simple – perhaps even just a walk where we need no special clothing etc but when you walk stay with how your body is feeling / moving, being aware of the way our feet touch the ground etc – the difference becomes light and fun – there is no goal or end result – just a commitment to self.
One of the developing loves that I have from choosing to now exercise is that it supports me to feel more present with myself and less distracted by the world, social media and technology. There is a humble simplicity in it which allows me to feel my fragility and accept it.
Yes, it is crazy that people don’t take the time to enjoy their bodies while exercising. But to be honest, I too get hooked into a TV program that they are showing every once a while. Though I don’t watch television anymore, in the gym it seems there is something interesting on specially for me, especially on the days that I am really connected. Then I treat it as another exercise: watching it – if I choose so – and staying in my body at the same time.
Also the keeping it light and fun is another key area – often exercise can be so serious, and I think that adds to the ‘slogging it out / dragging our bodies along’ kind of mentality that can so easily take over.
Very true Simon, I have very much experienced this over the year and have been turned away from exercise because of it. And as you say keeping it ‘light and fun’ really makes it all very easy.
yes fun is great, and something I never associated with exercise! But now I am quite silly and playful with my movements and reconnecting more with a childlike inquisitiveness to do with my body and how it moves.
Simon, I agree keeping it light and fun is the key, otherwise it is so easy to put it aside and never get around to exercising.
I am so with you on this one Simon! Exercise should be playful, light and fun. I used to train in a really hard way, pushing my body and being super tough, if the guys could lifts those weights then so could I to, I was never super fast, but I was strong. Now there is absolutely none of that, just an joy and a playfulness even when walking on the treadmill or lifting very light weights, as I am so enjoying being me, connecting to my body and feeling all it shares with me and the magic that is going on – how could I not smile and have fun.
So true Simon. True Movement has taught me how fun exercise can be – a pleasure rather than the slog and drive of pushing myself to the limit.
I agree Angela – my experience too. There is this weird relationship where either a) I start getting tired and stop exercising as too busy which leads to a downward spiral of getting locked into that way of being OR b) that I stay with the regular exercise and the exercise helps me to stay in my body and I get more energy as a result of doing it. And as you say it does not take much to maintain this, just a commitment.
Well said Simon, I completely relate to your experience of exercise, when I stay with regular exercise I certainly feel more energised than when I let it slip.
Me too David. The time I do make to exercise is then something I look forward to as I know how great I feel because of it.
So True Simon!
Gill, “dragging it along” perfectly describes how I used to exercise and it’s in such stark contrast to how I know exercise to be now. It really is transformational!
I can totally relate to the feeling of “dragging” when thinking about exercise – even though I know it will make me feel good during and after, there has often been a lack of motivation to get started.
Thanks Angela. It is a strange phenomenon as you say that when things get more intense in our lives we often leave out or don’t prioritise the very things that could give us the support! When it should be the other way around, that we actually make more time for self loving and nurturing activities of which exercise is an important part.
So true Andrew, it seems we abandon the very things in our life that enable us to deal with the intense parts. Great reminder for myself to ensure that me and my body get a look in too on a daily basis so that I can deliver everything else with some grace and energy.
This is great to read Angela, I have also found that ‘my exercise routine seems to be one of the first things that gets neglected.’ I was exercising regularly until about 2 months ago when I was away seeing family, since then I have let my exercise rhythm and routine slip into very occasional, I notice how I’m feeling more tired in my day from not having this exercise is the morning and I now feel inspired to start exercising more regularly again.
Angela I have also found that gentle exercise and staying connect makes such a difference in how I feel in body throughout the day. I feel a sense of vitality as the blood pumps around the body gently.
I have also noticed the same thing Angela, “That the busier I was, the more I was neglecting my exercise rhythm and routine… and the longer the gaps were between exercising.” And yet when I do exercise in the way you describe I feel so much more energised and open in my body.
Angela, Rachel and others, I have never had a consistant routine of exerciese in my life and my body has been begging me to change this…but I keep feeling too tired or too busy. Your words are SO encouraging to me and what Danielle is presenting, feels like exactly what I have been wanting.
I have found the same Rachel, when I exercise ‘I feel so much more energised and open in my body’. It is as if it sets me up for the day and helps me stay more present and connected with what I am doing.
Thank you, Angela. It feels very liberating to consider exercise in this way, and I especially like the line – “it’s the commitment and connection to myself that’s important as the foundation for exercise, not necessarily the amount of time spent.” Like you, Danielle has been a huge inspiration with regards to honouring how the body feels from day to day, and exercising in a way that is supportive rather than the old way of pushing through.
Thank you Angela. Your lightness and enjoyment of your connection with your body is unmistakeable. Exercising from a connection with our bodies is profound. I have had 1 one to one session with Danielle when I was feeling a lot of tension in my body. 3-4 weeks later my body feels much lighter and free-er due to my ongoing commitment to daily exercise. With more awareness and connection, I am able to detect much sooner when my body, or certain movements will lead to tension.
Thank you Angela. Exercise is not to get a body that looks good to others but an essential part of my daily rhythm to keep my body in good working order. On days when I think I am too busy to exercise I feel lethargic and tired. Exercise keeps me alert.
Great point Mary, I am appreciating more and more as I get older just how much gentle exercise supports me to stay fit, energised and well. I know I can ask my body to work hard when needed and feel well when I do, because I don’t tax my body on a daily basis. Gentle and consistent is definitely the secret.
Angela, I can totally confirm all you say as I have been exercising with Danielle too. I love these sessions as I feel so much more energised, connected, joyful and vital after have taken the time to commit to my body and focus on my quality. I have been shown how to exercise in a way that feels very honouring of how I’m feeling and it us something I simply can not imagine living without.
Hi Angela I too have been doing the on line class with Danielle and it has transformed the way I do and think about exercise. We do it early in the morning and it is a great way to connect to the body before going off to work. I have actually reduced the weight of my hand weights, something I would have never thought of before as my old line of thought would be to keep increasing it. I do quite a physical job so exercising in this way is very supportive without causing any extra unnecessary stress on my body.
Yes Kevin my previous experience of personalised exercise programmes has always been both the weight and the repetitions increasing as time went . This certainly is different
That is quite amazing to hear Kevin, that you have chosen to reduce your weights instead of continuing to increase them and push your body to do more. It just shows the power of gentle regular support and how much this contributes to our daily energy levels and ability to perform well in our jobs. A very different approach to the exercise industry today, this blog and comments showing the possibility of a new way forward.
This sounds AWESOME I want to do that exercise class. I don’t neglect my exercise routine and rhythm because I haven’t even got one !!! Very inspiring thank you for sharing.
Wow – this looks at exercise in a whole new light! How many of us have heard ‘no pain no gain’ and have been advised to exercise for results. With every trainer I can remember – I set up from the start what I wanted to achieve or change. So at once a physical goal is set. It was never about listening to the body – it was about pushing through.
That is the experience I was used to and what I allowed for several years.
To read this way of exercising Angela – in listening to the body and making exercise part of a rhythm – feels very supportive to me.
My body responds best to commitment and consistency. It was never the intensive short lived workouts that helped me – and now as I listen and respect my body more and more – I feel very committed to a never ending program that is part of my cycle – not for a physical goal – but to feel more of my body, more of a connection, and maintain an amazing rhythm.
Great point, Hannah. I have been driven by the ‘no pain, no gain’ mentality in the past aswell, and actually not only with exercise but life in general. I also love your comment “My body responds best to commitment and consistency”, which reminds us that it is the relationship with ourselves that really matters.
Great point Hannah I always ran away from the ‘no pain no gain’ exercise and generally have done too little exercise in my life. Listening to the body in order to honour what it does need is a learning in process. Great blog Angela.
Thank you Angela, this blog is most timely – it is very easy to let our commitment to daily exercise slip and then to beat ourselves up for ‘failing’ to do anything, which is counter-productive, because then we will do even less for longer. I have a beautiful gentle toning and stretching program worked out specifically for me by Creative Health and Rehabilitation and I know that commitment and consistency is key to our ongoing health and wellbeing, but so is going gently with introducing it. I find your approach and attitude to your own exercise regime inspiring, and a lovely reminder to honour how our bodies are feeling in each moment.
Your comments are timely too Carmel. I knew it was time to re-read this blog as my commitment to exercise has slipped recently, despite reminders by my bed as I get up and go to bed! To see your words, ‘a beautiful gentle toning and stretching program’ reminded me that I have just that but hadn’t seen it as such! Coming back to me and my commitment to a regular routine is the gentle nudge I needed. An inspiring blog Angela.
Angela what a beautiful sharing, I too have found how gentle exercise, while staying fully connected with my body, supports me in all ways throughout my day.
Awesome blog, Angela. One I can relate to very much, since I also started recently an online exercise class with Danielle. Just like you, I also experienced it is about connection to the body first and about the quality of the movements, not the amount. I was surprised how much my body loves the moving every single time, even if I don’t feel like that at the start. Great way to start my day, makes me more aware of my body all day. And this brings more joy and vitality in everything I do.
It has been very rewarding for my body to do to the exercise group with Danielle, it is stronger and feels more powerful like it matches more what’s inside me.
Your article has helped me so much Angela. I’ve been thinking of starting an exercise regime, but keep putting it off as I don’t know when I will fit it in. Your sentence – “However for me, committing to 10-15 minutes, 2 times a week is something that is manageable and a great place for me to start.” – I’ve been thinking it has to be more than an hour session and more than twice a week. Thank you for sharing.
Natalie, I had exactly the same response. I have been feeling the lack of exercise in my body, but had been unable to overcome a belief that an exercise program had to take a fair bit of time and be quite intense, or it wasn’t worth it. I can see that this belief is quite entrenched, and I love how this blog is shaking it up, rattling it around and disturbing it. It is time to let go. Thank you Angela, I will investigate some manageable options.
I agree Natalie, it is something that I, in the beginning, felt needed to create time for but as you say starting with just that is simple and easy and really does make a difference.
I agree Catherine, Amina and Natalie. When I started to listen to my body and its craving for exercise, I thought: “I can’t fit another thing into my morning” but letting that thought go and allowing the desire to take more care of my body and the will to build a connection with my pelvic area (which felt very numb and tight!) I went for it and have not looked back since. All the time is there and it is no extra strain but actually a joy each morning. Even if I wake up feeling groggy and awful, my body still wants to exercise and after a few minutes I often feel revitalised again.
Natalie I was putting it off for a long time too, but then one of my practitioners suggested to start with a 10 minute walk – that’s it for about 2-3 weeks, then slowly add some light weights for 3-5 minutes for another few weeks and then a few sit-ups and finally a few squats. This is around 15-20 minutes max. Now I have created a pattern, some days I have less time so will just walk, others I will add the other bits on. It feels so simple now and no pressure on myself. If I am tired then I give my body a rest. My arms have strengthened and body toned, without any pushing, just making it fun for myself.
This is great Amita, it is amazing how simple it can be and for most of us we have been taught that it takes lots of effect and focus but have lost the playfulness as you have described. Playfulness is key here.
Great Amita – you have inspired me, I want to start my program now!
This is what I have found so vital in my exercise Amita is like you say it builds up a a pattern and a rhythm that takes place every day, I have found that is everyday routine is what provides me such a solid platform for the rest of the day and everything that will come
That is a great point Natalie and one that I will consider too. We don’t need to go for an hour at a time, little and often can work miracles. Time to re-consider my daily rhythms and get some gentle workouts slotted in there.
It is incredible the difference making the time for exercise has on your whole day.
I agree Natalie. This is so supportive taking small steps and building on a strong foundation.
I used to feel the same Natalie, thinking that I had to spend at least an hour exercising to make any difference, made it harder to commit but realising that I can exercise to how my body is feeling and not have to push myself, gave me the encouragement to get back to the gym and maintain a regular routine.
Just perfect Angela, a beautiful description of how exercise should be looked upon. I’ve never been drawn to a gym for the reason that there felt like a necessity to commit to ‘x’ hours every visit, or that I had to do ‘x’ sit-ups every time – it was never ok to do only as much (or as little) as I felt necessary. The whole gym culture I felt, was to ‘do more’, ‘go harder’; but as you say it is up to us to honour “feeling how I want to exercise on each particular day”.
True Frank, I too have found the gym culture “to do more” and “go harder” quite daunting. Now that I choose a lighter form of exercise I feel more alive, like my exercise is getting me charged for the day whereas exercising hard left me worn down and tired. I can feel now how my gentle exercise is about a reconnection to my body, and a great marker of how I’ve been living.
The gym was a place where I mimicked others, trying to do as well or better than them, then there was yoga and there too a milder form of competition existed. I pushed my body until the day I tore a muscle in my thigh. When I started gentle exercises with a Universal Medicine practitioner I was told my body was very hard. I have since abandoned any ‘violent’ exercise and try to keep to my routine of gentleness. And it is so true there are days when I just want to lay on the mat.
Angela you continue to inspire me! I did exactly what you said, aimed for half an hour every day and promptly admitted defeat… I totally get its not what or how long but just dedicating some time to only feeling your body, it’s powerful stuff!
It sure is Rachael. In the past exercise has been a ‘should do’ so I was set up for failing however well intentioned my efforts were. It’s made such a difference making exercise about connecting more with my body and just allowing myself the freedom to do 10 minutes a day if that’s all I feel.
Yes Heather me too. Exercise was always something I should do and it made me do it less and less. But if we make exercise about connection with our body and taking the pressure off set time frames I found it allows an open space for how much exercise you really feel to do.
I love your honesty Rachael as to me this is the starting point in being able to make a different choice next time. In the past few weeks, there have been times that sometimes I don’t have the 15-20 minutes to exericse that I would like, but I know I have say 10 minutes and then I just commit to that… not beating myself up for not doing longer, but just enjoying the 10 minutes I do have. To me, the most supportive thing is working on my consistency.
Yes that makes sense to me, I no longer do beat myself up for not making time for exercises, but I can feel my body needs it very much and is calling for it. Even when there is no time to go to the gym I can respect my body doing some stretches and hip rotations and bending down to feel my spine – just simple moves right at the moment when I can feel tightness in my neck or back. But in the same time I do look at my rhythm why have I not allowed time for a workout, and this feels honest to me.
I agree, and not beating yourself up if you don’t do what you have set an expectation to do is also a big one for me – you have inspired me to get out my mat.
I know I am to exercise but at the moment I am finding excuses because I have this idea that I have to do 20 minutes every day and I know I am setting myself up to fail so then I don’t bother. To do, say 10 minutes twice a week sounds much more realistic for me and as Angela says “… the most important thing is working on my consistency” – this is great to read and a beautiful confirmation – thank you.
I have done that so much in the past, including but not exclusive to aiming for doing hours of exercise, but also with food and many other aspects. I have approached these goals with the right intentions, to get fit or to be healthy, but I hadn’t addressed a true way to live – dedicating time to being myself instead of just doing more and more things.
So true Jessica, I can relate so much to this blog Angela, this way of cutting out first my exercise and me time instead of addressing a true way to live – dedicating time to being myself – awesome reminder, thank you so much!!!
Cutting out exercises or going for a walk can be something I do as well when I go into busyness. While all along my body is talking, asking, sometimes screaming it wants to move in a loving way. My body love to exercise as long as I keep feeling it and stay present while I move.
Thanks Angela for your inspiration.
well said Jessica!
I love this Rachael. ‘ it’s not what or how much but just dedicating some time to only feeling your body’ this is such a supportive and nurturing way to approach exercise.
Anne-Marie great point, since doing some new exercise classes I’ve most certainly noticed a big difference as before it was about doing fitness to tick and box and make myself feel better, whereas using it as a way of connecting and doing what feels supportive for my body is another whole level.
It’s great what you say here Rachel, it’s all really about commitment, not really to the exercise but to our selves.
I am finding the ongoing commitment to exercise just keeps feeding me back. So much so that the choice to not exercise isn’t even there.
Angela great blog, I really enjoyed how you’ve not made exercise about doing a certain amount but how you do the exercise that is most important – sounds like much more fun!
Hi Angela, Reading your blog really brought home to me, the difference between when I listen to my body and offer it the exercise it feels to do, or override that feeling and distract myself with things I need to do! I know it helps me, and your line, ‘As I commit to my exercise rhythm I am experiencing more and more how this supports me in all of the other things I need to do in a day.’, really said it all.
This is a great point Judy as it demonstrates the simple fact that our commitment to truly listening to our bodies is key to know what one truly needs and what one needs to let go of. The revelation that Serge Benhayon teaches the ‘body is the marker if all truth” is one that we all can truly learn from.
I Agree it is definetly something we can learn from, “The body is a marker of all truth”
That is exactly what I have to learn in all aspects of life and not only for exercise, listen to my body to know what it truly needs.
I resonate to what you have said Judy and the phrase that jumped out for me from Angela’s inspiring blog is ‘commitment and connection to myself’. Also, to do what feels right for me on any particular day, 15 minutes instead of half an hour, or only twice a week. So many options, it is difficult to find excuses to resist listening to my body, however busy I may be with things I need to do!
Lorraine that was the phase that also jumped out to me “commitment and connection to me”. Angela shows how simple it is when we commit to ourselves first.
Judy you have reminded me have how often I choose to over ride my body with things to do rather than feel firstly the support my body needs with exercise to “get those things done.”
This is so true Ariana, and we can begin to feel that committing to exercise like this supports us to commit to life.
Yes Danielle and Ariana, I agree that it is a form of wellbeing for my body, which extends far greater beyond the class, but actually supports me to be more light, joyful and vital within my day. I feel great, and therefore the invasive negative thoughts in our day can be seen for what they are, and called out more easily, as we have this marker in our body.
I can feel this very strongly too, that when I am committing to exercise I am committing more to life. I feel I am completely dishonouring my body if I don’t give it at least a 10 minute stretch in the morning. This blog has most certainly re ignited my commitment to exercise.
I love this Ariana “It (exercise) has become a way I care for myself.”
Beautifully said Ariana – a truer way to care for ourselves is listening to the body and caring for it completely – exercise is just one of these facets of true love and care.