Committed to Moving More?

You’ve committed to moving more! But where do you start? We spoke to Wellness Navigator Kim Markin to learn how she helps people incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.

“Start by incorporating activities you used to love or learning what feels good in your body at that moment,” says Markin. “For some, this might mean revisiting an old hobby, while others might find joy in discovering new activities.”

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

“Stimulate your mind and body by trying something new,” Markin advises. “For example, I had a client who went to a Bungee fitness class and loved it. Try a hip-hop dance class, swim aerobics, or take a tennis or pickleball lesson. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be invigorating and fun.”

Equip Yourself

“Another trick is to buy an item connected to the activity you want to do,” Markin suggests. “I had a client who wanted to start walking again, so the first step was to buy a new pair of sneakers. Once she bought them, she couldn’t wait to walk!”

Start Small

“Don’t overdo it,” warns Markin. “Start small. Motivation is great, but if you’ve never run or haven’t run for a while, doing runs two days in a row might cause major leg pain. If you’re walking, start with 2-3 walks per week and aim for 20 minutes per walk. That’s a great start.”

Home Workout Programs

“Love yoga but find it impossible to get to a class? Start with a great home program,” says Markin. “Find a favorite teacher on YouTube who offers a series of classes and get started. There’s plenty of quality content out there to help you stay active from home.”

Accountability

“For others, they need accountability,” notes Markin. “Check out classes coming up and sign up for those that fit your schedule. How do you find a class? The MindBody app is great and shows local workout classes. Another great one? Try the MeetUp app for local fitness events.” It’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Remember, getting started with a new fitness routine doesn’t have to be daunting. Here’s to a healthier, more active you!