3 Ways I’m Taking Care of My Body

Although I believe taking care of my body is important, I’ve never been one to love exercise.

Even as a little girl, I much preferred reading books to running around the yard. Gym class was always my least favorite.

But, as I am getting older, my metabolism is slowing and my body has changed, especially after having three children. Unfortunately, my genes did not predispose me to bouncing back to my former self like the celebrities you see on magazine covers. 🙂

My word for the year is slow and as part of that, I am embracing taking better care of my body and moving more. Here are three ways I am being intentional in caring for my body:

1. Tracking my steps: I got a FitBit Alta for Mother’s Day (I like how much smaller it is than the regular FitBit), and it is helping me be more aware my movement during the day. I have yet to hit 10,000 steps, but I have had a few 8,000 days.  Of course, you don’t need a FitBit to track your steps – a simple pedometer works just as well.
2. Taking three exercise classes a week: After taking some time off from exercise, I am back at it thanks to a ClassPass membership. ClassPass allows members to take classes at tons of studios in their area for one low price. (Get $20 off your first month here.) While I hate exercise, I am loving the barre classes I’ve taken and am doing those three days a week. (Two days on my lunch break at work and one weekend day.) I wish I could take the classes in the morning, but with three little kids, it isn’t feasible in this season.
3. Eating better: It can be so easy to grab a prepackaged snack and go, but my body hates me when I do that. Matthew and I are working on eating more whole foods and less junk. Some cookbooks we’re relying on: The Whole30, Against All Grain and Simple Green Smoothies.

Matthew’s encouragement has been especially important in this process. I send him a text or picture before and after every barre class, and he always says something encouraging. He also does a lot of the cooking in our home, so having him on board for eating well makes a big difference.

I know none of these habits are revolutionary, but I share them in hopes of maybe encouraging some of you. Maybe you need to take better care of your body. Maybe it has been a long time since you went for a walk. Maybe you consume too much sugar. Maybe a class would give you the accountability you need.

Maybe you need a reset.

I get it because I needed one too.

You can do it. Take the first step. You’ll be so glad you did.

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