Movement as Medicine
I used to think exercise was punishment. I have always hated cardio and avoided it at all costs!
A few years ago, I had some veins lasered in my legs. The cardiologist told me I had to walk for 45 mins everyday post op for 30 days.
I think I did it twice! I didn't think it would make a difference and I certainly wasn't expecting to be called out at my 4-week check.
He looked at my legs and said - "I see you haven't been doing your walking" - I was a bit shocked and embarrassed. I asked him how he knew - he told me that he had injected a detergent into my veins and that if I had been doing the prescribed amount of exercising, the detergent would have moved through my vein. My veins were sitting there filled with detergent!!
He explained to me that exercise was essential to cardiovascular health. I knew that regular exercise would keep my weight down and my fitness up but I had not made the connection with assisting my organs to do their job!
Why didn't anyone tell me this sooner? Movement isn't just about how we look - it's about how our insides function!
We need to flip the script on movement:
"I should exercise." needs to change to "Movement is a privilege." - I exercise to celebrate the fact that my body can!!!!
Instead of "No pain, no gain." we need to ask "What feels good today?" or even better "What does my body need today?"
YOUR BODY IS ASKING FOR:
• Movement that brings you joy
• Regular stretching
• Daily walking
• Gentle morning mobility
NOT:
• Punishing workouts
• Forcing yourself to run if you hate it
• Comparing yourself to others
• Exercising from fear
LISA LOVES:
Rolling around on the floor! Rolling out your spine at the beginning or end of each day. This year for Christmas, Mikayla and I are getting a set of Lotus Rollers. Different sizes for different enhanced mobility and less back pain.
