What Should I Do for Exercise?

Recently, one of my class participants chimed in with the following, “Will you please tell us what we should do for exercise over the summer?” To which I replied, “Move more.” You see, I take a teaching break every July and August, and she was wondering about workout suggestions.
​I was only partly kidding when I responded with “move more.” Most people sit too much, even if they do attend weekly exercise classes. Heck, I’m in the process of writing my third book on the topic. ​But I would also like to address her question more specifically.

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When I take a break from teaching Essentrics, I take a break from Essentrics altogether. Don’t get me wrong, I love Essentrics. But I also love other ways of moving and working out. And our bodies need variety in movement and exercise. ​

That’s what fellow fitness professional Kathryn Bruni-Young says about variety in exercise. Kathryn is the founder of Mindful Strength and I’m taking one of her online courses this summer. ​Her amazing Facebook group is one of the reasons I’ll never be able to fully extricate myself from Facebook. She is a pioneer in the fitness industry and an ardent promoter of mindfulness as it relates to body awareness. Her podcasts, blog posts, and online workouts take me outside my comfort zone both as a teacher and a student.
But please don’t ask me what class you should take when we’re on a break. Before I became a group fitness instructor, I rarely attended group fitness classes. I’m more of a loner when it comes to exercise. If you’re interested in joining a group fitness class, we are fortunate in Ottawa to have so many exercise options available. I honestly don’t keep track of other group fitness options — I’m busy enough with my own classes and clients. But if someone asks me about a different type of class, I tell them, “Try it! You may love it.” One of my other regulars recently tried Nia dance for the first time. She commented that she enjoyed how it was a bit similar and a bit different from Essentrics. 
With that in mind, I thought instead I’d share what my fitness plans are this summer. You may have different plans entirely, and that’s okay.  Try a few things and see what sticks. You may be surprised at what motivates you to move. And I’ll tell you now, many of my workouts happen in my living room — thanks to YouTube!
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1. Cardio: In addition to cycling and a slow return to running (2 foot injuries in 2 years mean I’ve learned to be patient with my return to running), I recently purchased a mini stair climber. It fits on the shelf under my desk when I’m not using it, which is great in our small home. In addition to working my bottom half and my heart, the attached resistance bands allow me to incorporate an upper body strength component.
2. Strength: The stair climber mentioned above does wonders for my strength. I’m also following Kathryn Bruni-Young’s Mindful Strength course this summer. Another favourite of mine for strength workouts is Caroline Jordan. 
3. Flexibility: Bob and Brad, “the two most famous physical therapists on the Internet,” are my go-to for videos on flexibility and pain-free movement. Heck, you may even recognize some of these stretches from Essentrics. That’s because Essentrics creator Miranda Esmonde-White purposely incorporated physiotherapy techniques into her workouts. And believe it or not, I was a yoga person before I became an Essentrics instructor. I’ve been following Yogamazing with Chaz for years and years. I love his relaxed attitude and emphasis on having fun during the workouts. 
4. Light Physical Activity: Walking, walking, and more walking! I love to go for walks and I get out at least once a day.

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​​I hope this list helps you choose your fitness options this summer.
​Remember: Move more, feel better. And have a great summer!