Circa 2022, I made the resolution to run again. At the time, I was living in Kazakhstan. The harsh central Asian winters required running be done inside, therefore I had plans to do so at the embassy fitness center. Unfortunately due to an uptick in COVID-19 cases, the gym closed.
Cut to me breaking out all of my Bala gear that I accumulated throughout the first summer of the pandemic. Thankfully, I packed it all in our unaccompanied luggage, delivered a few weeks after our initial touch down on the steppe. With that, movement became part of my weekday routine.
Note that I did not make a weight loss resolution. Certainly not diet. No, this is about getting a few steps under your legs on the daily, taking a yoga class, or maybe even using some weights to get stronger. Moving first thing in the morning is one of the best ways to kick off your day. I like it for the mental benefits; I started my day checking off a major to-do that tends to be put off if I wait too late in the day. Also I am a lot less of a see you next Tuesday when I regular move it. I also enjoy the endorphin hit.
Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy…
…they just don’t.
In addition to incorporating movement into a near-daily routine, I like to find new types of movement that I cannot live without. Breaking a sweat used to equal running for me. These days it is a mix of Barry’s, yoga, and reformer classes. I will advise to never start a new class or new studio or new gym at the beginning of the new year. I like to save new things for February, and in the meantime, I stick to my tried and true classes and studios or non-membership movement options.
Conversely, if you are a current regular at any studio or gym, hold the judgmental comments on people kick starting their resolutions by joining your go-to classes. Rather, if you find yourself with these negative thoughts, perhaps you should should resolve to make more friends, express more kindness and a better ‘tude for 2025.
Let’s move in 2025!