Hitting Send

It’s a crisp Fall morning, with little hint of Sun from under a thick blanket of fog, but the birds and squirrels are busily going about their morning’s activities. Nests long ago built, they reinvest their energies into Winter preparations, just as Mother Earth returns what is not harvested back into Herself prior to Her dormancy. I, too, have been reinvesting my energies into myself, by taking up a new exercise regimen! I couldn’t have chosen a better time of year to start hiking my neighborhood trails, as it’s cooler, there are fewer people, fewer bugs, more wildlife, including migrating birds and I am going to be so grateful that I got my internal furnace burning higher come Wintertime, especially come Holiday cookies! *giggle* Let’s face it, starting that New Year’s Resolutional exercise program in the dead of Winter stands as likely a chance of success as Palin in Mensa. Hehe

We all have different reasons for moving our bodies; the motivation need only matter to you, as it’ll be your driving force. Whether you wish to lose weight, strengthen and tone, prepare for an event or race, or look great when Holiday Season arrives, you have to find a form of movement that you will enjoy and for which you will be motivated to participate in. I have found that the best way to enjoy Fall is to exercise outdoors, but I also know that it needs to be convenient and enjoyable for you. Make it fun! There are so many different forms of exercise out there from which each individual, with their different personalities and motivations, can enjoy. Would you prefer walking/jogging/running/hiking/biking, and would you prefer to do it solo, or with a friend? Are you more comfortable at a gym? Or at home? Perhaps you used to do yoga or pilates and have always meant to get back into a routine. Maybe you can only get motivated by using a personal trainer. Find what you will enjoy, is convenient and will drive you. Remember that it takes at least 21 days to establish a routine, so start now and during Halloween, chocolate bar/candy time, you’ll already be there!

My girlfriend and I both took up our exercise routines with partners and we’ve found this to have many benefits. She and her boyfriend enjoy working out at the gym together after work, both doing their own respective routines and then meeting up in the jacuzzi before heading home. It has not only been a lovely bonding experience, but they keep each other motivated, have mutual appreciation for the strengthening and toning occurring, and ummm, I hear it may have some other benefits as well. I have found that hiking the local mountains with a friend has helped move me into new comfort zones. The first time we hiked one of the local trails we heard a decent size snake slither by us, had a fox cross our path, and saw the cutest bunny hopping along! Okay, that last example doesn’t really illustrate how I broke through my fears, but he was very cute and deserving of mention! When my friend’s busy schedule wouldn’t allow time for hiking this week, I put on my tennis shoes and headed out for the local hill by myself. Man, saying that it’s steep just doesn’t explain its vertical ascension, but I assure you that it’s a great workout which is getting me into shape quite quickly. One is rewarded upon reaching the top by sweeping views and a great sense of accomplishment!

For those who wish to join me in re~investing in their neighborhood streets/hills/mountains/trails, there are a few things to remember in order to make your trekking more enjoyable and safe. First of all, be comfortable! When that morning chill gives way to the bright sunshine, you’re going to be grateful you wore comfortable, light-weight layers. Don’t forget the sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat which can keep you warm in the morning and cool in the afternoon and lip balm. Perhaps you want to take binoculars. If you’re really hiking trails, be prepared with raingear which will protect you from the wind, carry water and healthy nibbles to keep the furnace running nice and hot. Just because it’s dark out doesn’t mean you can’t go for a walk, but be safe by knowing your neighborhood, putting on a reflective vest and carrying a flashlight. When cycling, affix a light to your helmet or bike. You can also hit the trails just prior to Sunrise and you will be rewarded by a symphony of songbirds singing and the bustle of wildlife activity! It’s quite lovely! Happy Fall Re~Investment!