Over the course of the last year, it would appear that I’ve become a serious fitness buff. My closet has become filled with workout gear — colorful leggings, moisture-wicking tops and trendy sports bras. I’ve replaced my booties and heels with a rotating lineup of sneakers.
But don’t be fooled, the pandemic has not inspired me to be more active or healthy — luckily, I haven’t gained that #quarantine15, though I am getting close after a holiday full of indulging a little too much.
Although I may look like I’m ready for a run around the block, I struggle like so many others when it comes to my health and wellness.
The activities I used to enjoy as a child and young adult — softball, swimming, basketball, volleyball — all seem like some faraway luxury of a person who had endless time and not a care in the world.
I look back at those memories fondly. The sun beaming down, the exhilaration of competition, the calmness of the water, the lessons learned from working with teammates. The joys of winning, the sorrows of losing. I wasn’t doing any of those things for my health, I was doing them because I truly loved the experience. The fact that diving into a pool or for a fly ball was benefiting my mind and body was lost on me.
As an adult, I’ve tried to force myself into doing different forms of exercises that aren’t really for me. My treadmill sits in the corner collecting dust. The only spin class I took was torture (sorry!). A recent hike, after days of rain, resulted in me slipping and sliding my way through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Our “Get Fit” guide highlights the endless ways to focus on your well-being: yoga, Pilates, strength training, HIIT — just to name a few. But what’s important is that you do something, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day.
And for me, that starts with finding the joy in moving, running and playing. I broke out my mitt the other day and got excited for a season of playing catch. I’m already dressed for the part
— no more excuses.
