Let’s Get Physical!
Movement! Over the years, I have always valued sport and exercise, but later in life, as I became busier in work, this part of my life increasingly took a backseat. Two years ago, I made a promise to myself to get back to a work-life balance that makes me happy and to dedicate time to fitness, daily. I’m happy to say that I’ve stuck to it and am so much happier for it. My week incorporates various methods to build a holistic exercise routine that is both effective and entertaining enough to maintain.
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to highlight just how impactful exercise can be on the psyche. If you’re curious about my non-physical practices for maintaining mental health, check out my “Mental Health in a Demanding Career” blog!
Without further ado, here are the five things I do to maintain my physical wellness:
Golf
Obviously!! Golf has shaped me for the better—physically and mentally. It’s a time to put the phone down, be in nature and have fun with friends and loved ones. To warm up, I really try to make the time for stretching and foam rolling, pre and post. It’s a game-changer and makes a real difference for the low back and hips.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Heart health! HIIT is key for increasing your VO₂ max and longevity. The method involves exercising at full capacity for one minute, followed by a two-minute rest, and repeating this up to five times. My go-to for this is swimming. HIIT is incredibly time-efficient, which is why I’m such an advocate for it.
Through my love of researching health and wellness resources, I discovered Dr. Stacy Sims, who specializes in female health and fitness. She helped me understand how the body’s exercise needs vary based on gender, life stage, and more. I’m especially grateful that HIIT makes me feel like I’m setting myself up for a healthier future.
Pilates
I have a standing one-hour date with my reformer every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Pilates is all the rage nowadays—and for good reason. I’m so grateful for the core strength and overall balance I’ve built, and the positive impact it has on my energy and mental state. Form is key, so I highly encourage people to work out in front of a mirror or be guided by an expert when starting out.
Resistance Training
In my opinion, this is one of the best anti-aging hacks. This is not something we (as women) were encouraged to do growing up, but as more data becomes known, it’s vital for so many positive health outcomes and longevity. Incorporating 3–4 days of resistance training into my weekly schedule has been transformative for feeling stronger, increasing energy, and hitting the golf ball further! It’s important to use heavy weights with fewer reps, to see results—just be sure to define “heavy” relative to your own starting point to avoid injury. Additionally, prioritize training your legs and glutes early on. Strengthening these areas will help support your skeletal structure, improving everything from posture to balance.
Walking
We’ve all heard this one before. My two cents? Nature is ideal, but a big mall is a great place to hit 10,000 steps—plus, you get to look at (and maybe buy) beautiful things! 😉
Xx
