How I Learned to Love Exercise*
If someone wants to play any sort of team sport, count me out please…
I have never enjoyed team sports and as a result didn’t take part in anything in school unless it was essential. Hockey, Netball and Rounders filled me with a sense of dread rather than fun and I avoided them wherever possible and shuffled off to the library to hide!
When I was about 16 we had to take part in a bleep test which involved running back and forth between two posts every time a bleep sounded. For the first time I was only ‘competing’ with myself and a feeling of energy came over me. In team sports I was always worrying about other people, and anticipating the worst, but with running back and forth and only myself to focus on my mind cleared. I performed well and my gym teacher suggested I do more running and that sparked something within me.
The longest I’ve ever run was a 16 mile race but on average I aim for 5 Kilometres a few times a month. I use an app called MapMyFitness which times and speaks the distance into your headphones as you go which is very handy. Every year I do the Women’s Mini Marathon, usually for the ISPCA. It’s a really fun event especially if you can get a friend involved, and book a nice celebratory lunch after!
Over the years I gradually realised that there were other forms of exercise I could enjoy. Maybe they weren’t as social but the benefits are so important. I have done quite a lot of Yoga in both Reformation and Yogahub on Camden Street and found the morning classes in particular brilliant.
Back two years ago I completed a diploma in nutrition in City Colleges and learned that muscle wastage naturally begins - whether you like it or not - in your mid 30’s. At the time I was doing a lot of yoga but not really pushing myself and realised that I am the kind of person who needs to be told exactly what to do in the gym. I researched and found a low key personal trainer and for the past year I’ve been doing weight training weekly in Studio 41. I am the kind of person that needs to be accountable and unfortunately - pay someone to supervise me - otherwise I tend to find excuses not to make the effort.
Each Sunday I look at my diary for the coming week and factor in time to walk to all meetings so as I am not sat at my desk all the time. I also save up my podcasts so I can listen to them en route. My current favourites include Happy Place by Fearne Cotton, How To Fail by Elizabeth Day, The Expanded Podcast by Lacy Phillips and BeautyFull Lives by Madeline Spencer. I also love Anne Ortelee’s Weekly Astrology.
On holidays or even just at home I love the 10 minute exercise videos by Fitness Blender - this abs one in particular I know off by heart.
Most importantly I’ve found simple ways to integrate movement and strength training into my daily life. The idea of going into a noisy gym never appealed to me, but equally I know it’s so important to exercise. Whether it’s a walk and a podcast en route to the supermarket or doing a quick youtube routine whilst watching TV I make sure to do something at least 5 days a week and I’m so much better mentally, as well as physically for it.
It’s also so important to feel comfortable and supported and I am loving these new Alice Liveing X Penney’s pieces made with Recycled Polyester. See >Primark.com< for more information.
Crop top €10. Leggings €8. Sneakers €14 .
*Thank you to Penneys for collaborating with me on this feature.
Images - Sarah Blake.
