Is a Group For You?
Group exercise classes—how do you feel about them? Have you ever been to one? Is so, what do you love about them? What do you dislike about them? If you haven’t, what do you imagine them to be like? Are any of your thoughts keeping you from trying one?
Are you afraid of comparison from others? Do you think you’d be able to show up to a class and not judge yourself or others? What if you went with the intention of being a supportive class member—do you think you could do that?
My personal challenge for you: try a group class this month. I encourage you to do this because I avoided going for years. I was afraid of judgment, I can’t stand the fact that I make weird faces when I concentrate on the moves, and I was always afraid I wouldn’t like the moves or a teacher would be too harsh. I finally started going again in preparation for this month—I got out of my own way and showed up to a group aerobic class where I knew nobody. You know what I found? A group of highly motivated, encouraging women who were showing up for themselves and their friends. They were prioritizing self care. They were nothing but encouraging, enthusiastic, and inviting. I found camaraderie in women with similar goals who were showing up. Their energy made me want to return…and I did. So let me lovingly suggest that you quit allowing your thoughts about what a class *might* be like stop you from meeting what might be the motivation you need to keep going.
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Class Options
What exercise class options are local to you? When was the last time you looked? Classes can change on a monthly, weekly, and daily basis. What options are close to you?
Today’s challenge: research what classes are currently near you. Write down dates, times, and locations that sound appealing. Bonus challenge: sign up for one and put it on the schedule.
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Competitive Mindset
Do you have a competitive mindset? Do you compete with yourself? With others? Is competition positive motivation for you? Or does it foster judgment? Does it not come into play for you when exercising? Write about the role of competition in your movement goals, if applicable.
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What’s Fun For You?
Yoga may have been fun pre-kids, but maybe it doesn’t seem appealing now. Maybe you were a runner in your teens and 20s and now in your 30s and 40s it isn’t for you. So what is fun for you in the season you are in? If you know, write about it—what it is, the joy it brings you, etc. If you aren’t sure what’s fun, give it some thought today—what sounds fun? Write about it!
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Try Something New
Today’s challenge is to try something new—a new fitness class (aerial yoga or bungee bounce, anyone?), a new workout video (i.e. Fitness Marshall on YouTube!), or choose a new walking route for a change of scenery. If you can’t do it today, plan for it. Stretch your body, mind, and routine by switching it up! Write about what you’re going to try and plan for it!
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Online-Social Media Resources
Do you follow any fitness, gym, class, or instructor accounts online? How do they make you feel? Inspired? Defeated? Write about it.
If they put you in a positive mindset, send those resources a message and let them know! Share your fitness journey with them—they are people, too!
If you find that you’re comparing yourself to them or your thoughts about them bring you down in any way, delete them! Take a social media break. Or find resources that do inspire you. There is no one resource for everyone. Find the one that builds you up! Or none if that sets you free!
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Video Resources
While I’m a huge fan of in-person classes for personalized inspiration, there are many, many resources online to help you on your movement journey. I want you to seek out who and what motivates you.
Do you feel like workout videos or online tutorials are right for you? Write about it. Have you ever tried any? Which ones did you like/not like? Which are your favorite? Which have you wanted to try? What genres do you like or want to explore? Online access to fitness instructors has brought a ton of variety to the fitness world! Write about if and what you’d like to explore and then do your research—find what works for you!
Take Note: Fitness involves correct form to avoid injury. Please work with a trained professional on correct form if you have any questions. Safety first.
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