In just two months and a day, I will turn 48. I have been working on and off for the past few years to find sustainable, enjoyable movement. As I age, my joints have become stiffer, my flexibility has diminished, and I don’t have the stamina that I once did. Hormonal changes affect these things as well. With my personality and wiring, I need movement that feels gentle, accessible, challenging but not exhausting. We have to be students of ourselves to find the right fit, the practices that feel good, and energize us and not tire us more.
I think I am finally hitting on some varied ways that seem to be the right combinations for who I am, my limitations, and my schedule. I take a 1.7 walk about 3-4 days a week. It’s a walk through the neighborhood and down around a lovely pond. The fresh air, trees, and birds invigorate my body and soul. I like getting out in all four seasons. In winter, spring, and fall, I take my walk in the afternoon; in the summer, I go first thing in the morning. Our humidity and heat is intense and draining so I have found the summer mornings are a must.
Every Wednesday morning I go to a local recreation center (a 6-minute drive!) and take water aerobics. Moving for an hour in water is kind on my joints, plants me in local community with other women, and pushes me in gentle and life-giving ways. I started going over a year ago, and it’s one of my favorite parts of my week. I am encouraged to see women in their 70s and 80s still showing up, moving their bodies, and valuing their health. Their presence mentors me in the art of aging.
Recently I participated in a 5-day Pilates challenge, and I can’t believe that I deeply enjoyed it and looked forward to it every day. The sessions were only 15 minutes each and accessible to all levels of skill. The instructor’s mantra is “grace over guilt” which is what we all need more of. I appreciate her balanced approach, gifted instruction, and the ease of entry. Right now The Balanced Life has opened up their Sisterhood membership to the community which they only do twice a year (that is an affiliate link that gives you $20 off and me $20 off as well!) The site and app are filled with workouts, a structured calendar, recipes, etc. I joined today for 6 months after seeing so many people sing its praises the last year, and now experiencing 5 days for myself. I mirror it on my TV every morning after my time with the Lord, and 15 minutes makes it simple for me to make space for it.
At night, I am trying to do a simple 12-minute yoga bedtime routine. It doesn’t happen every evening, but I feel so much better when I do. It’s a nice transition from the work of the day to getting into my bed.
So walks, the pool, some Pilates, and light yoga seem like a nice mix of movement for this season of my life. The walks and the pool give me some cardio, the Pilates works my core, and the yoga encourages my flexibility.
What about you? How are you incorporating movement into your life here in your home in ways that feel nourishing, life-giving, and accessible? I am grateful to live in a time where I can access these modalities here at home and nearby.
Moving along with you,
Aimee
I LOVE Robin and I'm so glad you've joined! I don't get in as many sessions as I'd like, but the fact that I get any in at ALL, and that I feel good about myself when I do "just" 10 or 15 minutes of pilates, is all her fault. I'm so thankful for her vision and teaching style and programs!