Today is about getting physical. Now, I'm far from what you would consider athletic, coordinated or even inclined to venture outdoors. However, if I didn't plan some kind of physical activity in my daily schedule I would petrify like an ancient bloodless vampire by being sedentary for too long. Let's face it, writers spend A LOT of time with their butt in a chair and the only thing getting a workout are their fingers.
While I'm not liable to run out and join a Monster Cycle spin class (though it sounds incredibly cool, it would probably kill me) I do need to move. My requirements for said movements are that it is fun, easy, and not too time consuming, because, I've got books to write. I'm sure you do too.
So here are some wicked good ways to get moving, no fancy equipment required.
1. Lazy Ghoul Workouts. There are a lot of quick and easy workouts for lazy ghouls like me. Here are a few great links and videos to check out.
- Darebee.com They have a lot of fun, quick workouts with fun names and PICTURES. Pictures are key because some of us don't speak Exercise. Hell, if the instructions only TOLD me to do 12 burpees, I would've probably grabbed a soda and hoped for the best. (Yes, I know. You can put me in yoga pants, but you can not take me to the gym.)
- ChristinaCarlyle.com Christina has several different Lazy Girl workouts focusing on different parts of the body. She also has pictures, videos, the works.
- Love, Sweat, Fitness has a great Lazy Girl workout video and is probably the one I do the most.
2. Yoga. Both Yoga and Meditation are important to me as a writer and I highly recommend adding them to your routine. Yoga to stretch out those kinked slumped shoulders and Meditation to help you figure out what the hell is wrong with your second act. Here are some poses to get you started.
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| Resource: GetHealthyU.com |
3. Dance. Make like a witch and dance under the full moon, sans nudity, of course. Actually, I'm a huge fan of living room dancing, nude or otherwise. (Mostly otherwise, because I have kids and that would be . . . um . . . awkward.) My suggestion is put on your favorite dance music and just go with it. Better yet, pull out those glow-in-the-dark sticks left over from Halloween and that neon makeup (ask your teenage daughter), turn off the lights and you'll have a rave going on in your own living room. My kids love this one, we have a blast. Family time, check. Workout, check.
4. Walk. This one you will have to leave the house for (unless you have fancy equipment), but I promise it will be well worth it. Some ideas to make it easier are, put on an audiobook, speak to your muse, join a virtual race (I use and love Yes.Fit), drag friends or family along, get a dog. Oh wait, I said easier, didn't I?
And finally, don't forget to Reward yourself. Positive reinforcement will help keep you motivated. Set a goal and once you've reached it, reward yourself. Buy yourself some bath bombs (and actually take a bath with them), eat chocolate, buy yourself cool ghoulish workout clothes, eat more chocolate, drink wine that comes from a bottle, then eat more chocolate. Okay, maybe that's too much chocolate, but you get the point. Love yourself and don't forget to move your body. If I can save one writer from becoming an ancient petrified vampire, my job here is done.
Bonus: Here is my Wicked Workout Playlist on Spotify to get you started. Add to it, use what you like, discard the rest. And have fun!
Stay beautifully haunted, Night Writers,
♥ Shadow.
Note: I'm not affiliated with any of the companies or links I've provided in this post.
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Last year I started doing Pure Barre. It's a mixture of yoga, ballet, and Pilates. Before starting PB I was never able to stick to any kind of exercise program. I won't lie and say I'm doing it daily or anything like that, and it will kick your butt from here to Transylvania, but I've noticed a difference. And you're so right. Writers are prone to all kinds of health issues including back and shoulder problems, weight gain, etc. Find something you like to do and stick with it--whatever it may be.
ReplyDeletePure Barre sounds intense, but then I could use a good kick in the butt. And if it lands me in Transylvania, all the better. ;) Glad you found something you enjoy, because you are right, that is the key to sticking with it.
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