We all know how very easy it is to get bogged down with routines that carry us along and seem to work, pretty much. But what we all need, most likely, is some pizzazz, some new approaches to elevate our day to day. Yes, something inspirational! Let’s face it: change can be hard. But as a personal trainer, I’m always looking for ways to encourage the breakup of a person’s routines. When I succeed, it can be the the key to inspiration—with the goals of self awareness, self esteem, and self disciple.
Let me begin with my personal journey, realizing that not everyone can duplicate my experience and good fortune. Travel has always inspired me, and increasingly so does the concept of transformation. I have found both of these in my time in India, where I traveled for the fourth time this year. There I discovered what I’d been seeking—the intersection of science and spirituality in the practice of Ayurvedic medicine. During all four trips to India, my destination has been an Ayurvedic clinic in Southern India called Vaidyagrama (www.vaidyagrama.com). There I am treated by Ayurvedic doctors, all of whom have had decades of study. (I’d be glad to chat further with anyone interested in this clinic).
Ayurveda is a traditional system of Indian medicine. It means the science of life and youth. Its practitioners use a combination of science and philosophy to treat the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual components necessary for holistic health. According to Vedic science, the deep inner self (pure consciousness) activates the working consciousness, which in turn activates the physical body. Wow! Maybe you can understand why I’m hooked on this place.
Because I’ve made a study of it, I believe my knowledge of “wellness” exceeds that of the average American. And it’s my mission—and my job— to share what I’ve learned. While the customs in India may be different, to say the least, there’s no getting around the fact that exercise and a mindful diet are the linchpins of wellness everywhere.
So how to inspire you! After years of working with willing and eager clients, I have witnessed hundreds of attempts, failures, and frustration—and many successes—in their efforts to achieve fitness and overall health. While accepting that this journey is a lifelong process, what I also see, more and more, is decades of habits resulting in lack of inspiration.
What has always inspired me is the discovery of the NEW, specifically ways that work and move me further along in my goals. While many, if not most of you, will not have my good fortune of near-total transformation, there are giant steps anyone can take to make significant changes. Begin with gaining the knowledge of how your body works; I consider this hugely important. It will inform your choices of food (what gives you energy and vibrancy), and what kinds of exercise truly work for you in terms of building stamina, commitment, and strength—and that healthy glow! Identifying what habits trigger your stress and eliminating some of them will bring you greater calm and allow you more peaceful sleep—two most essential keys. In other words, it’s about knowing yourself. Because the road to inspiration is truly personal.
Denise’s
2 Cents:
So what might inspire you and invigorate your efforts to be fit and healthy? It’s certainly a wide-open topic. Below are some ideas from my experience—and off the top of my head—some of which bear repeating:
- Join a group that is working toward the same or similar fitness goals. Download some apps and suggest them to friends to follow with you.
- Challenge yourself. Sign up for a fun run, a road race, or a long bike ride. Or if you’re very ambitious, consider a major event such as walking The Camino in Spain. And if you’re feeling bold, post on social media your fitness goals.
- Read up! Get a working knowledge of the fundamentals of good of nutrition (some people need a breakdown of the details (carbs/proteins/fats, for example); understand and track your heart rate and sleep levels. An Apple Watch or Fitbit make this easier, or you can just write down your daily activities.
- Visualize the changes you want to make and exactly how they will look. (e.g., I want to pick up my grandson without back pain; I want to be in my friend’s wedding and totally rock the dress I’m wearing). Remember to keep it simple.
- Decide to commit to the idea of living to be to 100–and healthy!
- Join a cooking class—online or in person—and learn new ways to make nutritious meals.
- Get a dog. Or walk a neighbor’s dog. And get some free licks and loving, too.
- Get over yourself and ask for help from a friend/trainer/professional.
- Buy some new activewear and/or shoes to sass up your workouts.
- Plan on much more time outside. First visualize your exercise plan (walk/hike/run), then get out there!
Do any of them ring your bell or float your boat? Pick one or two, then discover what works best for a healthier you. Get inspired!