Mäd Love: Body Balance
Welcome to my second blog post!!
Thank you SO much for the wonderful conversation that you guys led last week. I was so touched by all of your shares and kindness toward each other.
This week, I would like to continue FINDING THE BALANCE with the discussion focused on our body’s over-all fitness.
I don’t know how you all feel, but I sure am feeling the difference in my body since I hit my forties. I have prided myself in staying fit throughout my life. Of course, I have to give credit to my passionate dance background, and also my incredibly inspiring husband, David, who is not only an ex-professional athlete as well as a gifted coach and now a personal trainer.
We’ve been together for thirty years now and we are always looking for ways to stay fit together. That naturally creates a “fun time together” and further solidifies our bond. We’ve had time periods of obsessing over a martial arts class (Aikido). Getting into kick-boxing (until I got too aggressive). Time periods of cycling (especially when we lived in San Francisco). Joining in on our children’s track-and-field practice (just trying to keep up with our kids). Our short but passionate stint of roller blading (while exploring the beauty of Santa Barbara). And of course, I can’t leave out how we’ve incorporated the staple of Iyengar Yoga practice into every form of our physical fitness routine... and believe me, the list goes on!
Now, I wish I could say that I have been one of those “super fit” people. I’m so jealous of the Jessica Alba / Cameron Diaz types that have the discipline to take their fitness to that whole other level. But I’m not. I do feel that a certain level and commitment to staying active and challenging your body, for not only your over-all physical health but also your mental health, is essential. I just don’t beat myself up over the fact that I am an incredibly busy woman. I have to juggle a family with a career. Throw in the travel involved and the long hours on set. Sometimes I just don’t have anything left in the tank.
To compensate, I do things like: Make sure that I take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator when possible. Walk to events close enough, instead of driving. When I have to carry extremely heavy luggage through airports or walk with multiple bags of groceries home, I change my mind-set to, “Great! I’m getting in some extra physical activity!”
To be completely honest, sometimes I struggle with anxiety over a loved one’s health challenge or some kind of career frustration. When I feel myself starting to spiral or loop, I remind myself the importance of the chemicals that are released when exercising. How the adrenaline and dopamine affect my over-all attitude and out-look. I know then that it’s time to ask a loved one for help in reminding me, and hopefully inspiring me, to get off of my ass!
What do you do to squeeze in fitness into your incredibly busy life? Maybe you're an avid hiker on the weekend with friends? Do you jump on a bike with your kids when you're on vacation? Maybe you’ve changed your ladies lunch to pilates class together? Do you guys join in on a pick-up basketball game instead of cards?
I can’t wait to hear how all of you warriors out there conquer the balance of taking care of your body into juggling your life’s many responsibilities...
Blog here. XOXO - Mäds
