First Week Workout Is About Reconnecting

By Susan Clark

Susan, here, just checking in. With my new walking plan and a little stretching and yoga, I’m starting to feel a few checkpoints in my body I have not felt in a while—lower back muscles, that place where the leg meets the hip, a crankiness in my neck. Even though there is a little soreness, it feels good—like an awakening—and I think, goodness, it’s about time…afterall, this is the shell I use to get around in this world. I better feel its parts, the alternative is not good. Starting over is mentally challenging as well, as I shape my busy day to make sure I fit exercise in—as most of us, I can easily come up with good excuses. Balancing full-time work with an exercise program is key to it all for me personally, so I’m now shutting the light out at 10 p.m. and getting up 45 minutes earlier, get to work before most of the rest of the university crowd, and breathe in some early morning quiet, plus I get my pick of parking spaces. At this early date in my new routine, I have chosen to do my workout after work with the flexibility to that changing with the seasons. I give myself about 15 minutes “down” time when I walk in the door and then go immediately for the treadmill or an outdoor walk to the park. I’m still adding one minute to each day’s walk and giving it as much speed as I can, but at the same time, remembering to enjoy what I’m doing. I’m not signing up for a marathon yet…this phase is about reconnection— with my body, with nature, with energy (my own and that around me), with stillness, with light, with optimism. Until next time…Write me your thoughts. I would love to hear comments from people who are starting over after being on the couch for too long. We need to keep each other going!