Okay. So not only is this the last Fitness Challenge post for 2023 (delayed due to that advent calendar-ing), it is also the last Fitness Challenge post . . . ever. Because I’ve decided to be done with the fitness challenge. Not with fitness itself, of course. But with the challenging-you part of it. I’ll still write about fitness now and then I’m sure, and I’ll probably pass along a tip or two from time to time. I’m just finished with the monthly challenge aspect.
Except for this one . . . last . . . little . . . challenge (of course). And it’s a simple one.
Keep moving!
I know that a lot of people have big issues with “exercise” (not only the doing it, but even with the very word “exercise” itself). I’m afraid too many people associate “exercise” with “weight-loss.” Or they think that “exercise” needs to be painful and time-consuming if it’s going to “count.” Or the very thought of “exercise” brings up horrible gym class baggage. Or whatever. But these negative associations mean that many people choose to . . . not engage with “exercise” at all. (And, of course, the not engaging with it – but understanding that one “should” – brings on the guilt.)
With my fitness challenges, I’ve tried to shift those “exercise” associations: away from weight-loss and baggage and pain, for example, and toward a more holistic embrace of “exercise” and fitness . . . for LIFE. After all, “exercise” is really . . . front line care for your mental health and mood. It’s a way to combat what’s happening to our bodies as we get older. It’s an opportunity to cultivate a new routine and healthy habits. Bottom line, “exercise” is our best tool for living longer, moving well, and feeling healthier and good about ourselves. I’ve been hoping to help you . . . engage with “exercise” a little more freely, and maybe with some joy.
So I hope you will. Engage with “exercise, ” I mean. Freely and joyfully.
Do it for YOU.
Keep moving!
See what happens.
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(For future reference, you’ll be able to find all the 2023 Monthly Fitness Challenges in my Field Notes.)
2023 Monthly Fitness Challenges
#6 – Practice getting up from sitting on the floor
#5 – Get down on the floor every day
#4 – Walk 10 minutes every day
#3 – Discover how active you really are
#1 – Create your own fitness plan for 2023
Looking for Monthly Fitness Challenges from 2021-2022? I’ve moved them! Now you can find them in the Field Notes section of the blog (just click on Field Notes in the top menu) and look for Monthly Fitness Challenges 2021-2022.
That is one hell of an impressive plank photo, Kym! I think about your challenges every time I get up off the floor… and every time I move my body in an intentional way… I had some issues with my hip last year, and I have faithfully remained doing my “PT” exercises and have had no recurrence at all! It was a good physical reminder that if you don’t move it, you can lose it.
I am sad to see these go… I am sure you inspired more than just me to move my body! (BUT!! I am eager to see what new things you will bring in their place!)
Kind of like Michael Pollan’s advice for eating, your fitness challenge is simple and true. Keep moving is good advice in lots of situations!
I loved every single one of these posts Kym. Such great reminders/advice to battle that inevitable aging process. Thanks for all of the work you put into each and every post.
GO you with that plank! Could you see me nodding my head to all of the things you wrote about how I struggle with exercise? The shame of gym class, the guilt of ignoring something I know I should be doing, the feeling that it has to be long and hard and perfect in order to count, the frustration when it doesn’t lead to weight loss . . . those are all long held beliefs that I carry and they are a burden. I’m working through some of them right now (it’s been a real focus in my therapy sessions this month) and some of the things I’m doing are actually helping. This post makes me feel so seen and understood. Thank you. And the words of my late father-in-law come to mind once again: People are like cars. If you rest, you rust.
I know that the pandemic messed a lot of things up, but one result of it that makes me very happy is that I’ve truly embraced exercise as part of my daily routine and miss it on days when I just can’t work out, for whatever reason. I did have all those bad associations before, but since 2020 I’ve realized that moving my body — however I can move it — is always a good thing and makes me feel so much better, physically and mentally.
I’m another who enjoyed all your “exercise” or “fitness” posts Kym (and I bet I go back to them for reference now and then). Keep moving is SO essential. And I am planning to do much more of that come the end of february!! (work and it’s interfering ways is just so annoying).
Farewell to the fitness challenge! I now will do fitness challenges in my head (this week’s: do an online class every day and I’m doing it!).
Movement is key, especially as we age. I feel energized after walking or even doing yoga.
You have been a role model for fitness, Kym! Your encouragement helped me find the best way to lubricate and move my joints and muscles and I found the perfect gym classes. I’ve been going for a year and a half and love it. I’ve made some friends, too, and we’re going to MetLive today to see Carman! I hope everyone got some encouragement from you and took it to heart.
I couldn’t agree more. I plan to keep moving as long as possible. As my daughter likes to tell me, “the world is your gym.”
Joining to echo others’ sentiments. I have LOVED the fitness challenges. They have been very helpful and inspiring. Thank you, Kym.