I am a firm believer that in order for you to commit to movement and fitness, it must be fun. And fun is different for everyone! This past month we implemented the August challenge. We are already halfway through the month and some of our members have already met their goal of 20 classes in 31 days! Most of those who have participated in the challenge were more excited about the camaraderie and fun that the group was having amidst the challenge and less concerned about the prize they would receive at the end. These members have proven themselves to be motivated and dedicated to completing this challenge. I’m really excited for them. If you missed the challenge, don’t worry. I am already in the planning stages of an October challenge.

In order to commit to a plan and keep our bodies moving, we must enjoy what we are doing. There’s no need to punish your body with hours and hours of grueling unenjoyable workouts. Make it fun. Find a group that lets you be free to move in a way that feels good for you. Find a workout buddy that holds you accountable. If it stops being fun, change something. Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some of the ways that I keep fitness fun personally!

We are about 3 weeks into the year and New Years Resolutions are in full force. You may have embarked on a new fitness regimen or just reinvigorated an already established program. Beginning today, I am going to implement a weekly wellness challenge and it’s going to be different every week. The hope for this challenge is that you find a new way to improve your overall wellness.

This week, your wellness challenge is to get 20 minutes of brisk walking in a day. Since it’s pretty cold almost everywhere this time of year, you may have to bundle up if you plan to take your walk outside. If you plan on walking on the treadmill, make sure you find some way to create peace in your surroundings. The gym can be very busy and loud this time of year with the masses working out all at the same general time. Put your headphones in and find a peaceful station to get into your zen zone. I personally really like the app “Insight Timer”. It has thousands of guided meditations, sound baths, and beautiful peaceful music.

Walking at a brisk pace for 20 minutes a day can decrease stress, improve mood, improve sleep, and is basically free therapy. Try getting your 20 minutes a day for the next 7 days and pay special attention to how you feel before and after your walk and at the start and end of the week. Happy walking everyone!