Can we please talk about exercise?
And clean eating?
And brain health?
But mostly exercise?
Years ago when I had just finished school and I was studying for my naturopathic medical licensing board examinations (I know… that’s a lot of syllables, and a 5 DAY test is worth all them sounds). I spent 3 months doing 3 things really well:
1. eating cleanly
2. moving my body the way my body loves to move
3. and studying like someone who’s career relied on it.
Interesting tidbit: I was only committed to the first two on the list because I knew they would help me kick the exams’ butt. I knew that my brain and body needed a beautiful, balanced biochemistry to function optimally for those 5 days.
I also knew (and was studying) what foods and what form of movement was going to help me rock it, the first time.
(It worked, by the way.)
And goodness, there was some sexy by-products. My body is feminine, and thick. From my dad I inherited my short, stocky frame. From my mom’s lineage, womanly innie and outie bits. People are always surprised to find out how flexible AND strong I am. I can kick as high as your head and possibly even beat you at a push-up contest.
That summer I was at my teeniest body size, my leanest body composition, and least importantly, my lowest weight in my adult life (so far). Girlfriends saw my arms and said, “You look fit.”
And they were right. Pant sizes were in the single digits. Shadows appeared to outline muscle definition. Innie bits were more innie, and outie bits were less outie. I was onto something.
Then I allowed something magical to happen. As soon as that exam became another item on my life achievement list, I forgot what worked for me. For years.
I became a crow, distracted by shiny-object-magic-bullet-weight-loss-solution-new-fangled-celebrity-endorsed-blah-blah-blah.
Lets break it down:
1. Eating Cleanly
For me this was focusing on vegetables (I was living at home at the time and don’t even think it was organic), lean animal proteins, nuts, seeds, the odd bit of fruit, brown rice, and quinoa. It was primarily paleo. I strictly did not eat dairy, wheat, sugar, legumes, and most grains (except those two exceptions above). I did not consume booze.
Since I’ve asked you if I can mostly talk about exercise I’m going to leave this topic for now (Interestingly what worked for me then, is what I’ve rediscovered with my work on the Plan.)
2. Moving my body the way my body loves to move
I grew up as a dancer. By the time I was 12 I was dancing 4-6 hours, 6 days per week. This lasted until I was 22 (and was studying dance at university.) My body and my soul love dance. However, when it comes to my super body – (even all that) dance isn’t the ticket. What worked for me that summer will surprise you. It still surprises me. I look back on what I did and think, that couldn’t have possibly worked. But it did!
I also walked a ton that summer but I’m pretty sure it was the body-weight exercises that did it. The program came from SimpleFit.org. It was easy to follow. I hung out in the forum. I met some cool peeps. The consistency and community were key for me.
The Science:
When we exercise more than 30 minutes we stir up cortisol which stores fat. Wah wah. So, if you’re a lifer on the cardio train I highly encourage you to get off at the next stop and try this type of work out. Your heart rate and breathing rate will show you without a doubt that you’re actually STILL on the cardio train but in a way that is a better use of your time, hormones, and energy reserves.
The Sacrifice:
I was socially isolated. This was partly due to my commitment to myself, partly because my food choices made it harder to enjoy eating out, and it was partly financial. Just out of school, my job that summer was studying (it didn’t pay that well.)
The truth:
I wanted to pass that exam, it was priority number one. I did everything I could to make that happen. Some things had to be sacrificed.
Now I find myself, years later, wondering how to feel good in my body on a daily basis, only to discover I already know what to do. I’ve told myself over the years it takes too much time to be fit like I was then. I wasn’t doing anything but studying – it’s not sustainable! (The confession just spontaneously left my fingers so I thought I’d leave it in.) BUT I’ve been totally deluded.
It literally took no more than ONE hour per week.
Blink blink. Are you getting this? Not only was the time commitment minimal, the results phenomenal, but the program on SimpleFit was TOTALLY free. I know. It totally worked for my studying-only, lack of paycheck.
There are other great FREE fitness resources out there too. Fitness Blender is one of my faves, along with GymRa. Check out The YouTube for vids – there are gazillions of free, total-body fitness videos that are 10-20 minutes in length. In your own home, without fancy equipment – just the gym God gave you. Perfect.
So now that I am clear on my core desired feelings one of which is being (perfectly) Fit, I’m ready to recommit to myself. This time there is no exam to pass. There is just this incredible life and body to feel great in. I want to feel my absolute best. And 20 minutes, 3 times per week is hardly any sacrifice.
My body deserves that.
And so does yours.
In the comments below I’d love to know what works for your body. How does your body love to move? What have you found gives you your best physical results?
Here’s to your jivin’ Health & thrivin’ Life,
Dr. Tonia
