Kimberlee K.

I am constantly a sucker for reading about people’s routines.

I think we all are.

We want to know what people are doing that is bringing them peace or keeping them organized or helping them be productive. We want to know what is making them feel like they are doing more, being more, achieving more, loving more, and we in turn want that more for ourselves.

The thing is, we read these routines and we take notes, and we decide we will start on Monday or the first of the month or in spring or summer or at the beginning of the year, and then we do it for a while, and then we stop, and then we feel guilty and so we start again.

It is a never-ending quest, and yet I never get bored of it because I never tire of wanting that more.

But what I’m learning is, that “more” changes.

What I wanted out of a routine at 16 is far different than what I wanted at 25 and now 33. And thank goodness. It is encouraging to know that I am always growing and changing, and it is a privilege to continue to deepen my understanding of what I’m looking for.

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In my life right now, I am pursuing a new routine of exercise.

I started taking Jazzercise classes a couple of years ago and discovered a side of fitness that I didn’t know existed: one that was fun, encouraging, and entirely full of joy. And this year, I have made a concerted effort to pursue more of that feeling.

In the past, I have pursued exercise routines for three reasons: 1) as a punishment for gaining weight, 2) in an attempt to lose weight and reach a specific size, or 3) in pursuit of a specific goal (i.e. to climb Mt. Whitney or run the LA marathon.) I’ve never gotten into a routine solely to have fun or to move my body just because it feels good.

But this year that has been my ultimate goal. And I have found a variety of workouts that I do throughout my week.

I don’t write out a schedule, I don’t set any parameters to insist I do x on Monday’s or y on Tuesday’s. I simply do what feels good, what sounds fun, and what is most achievable for my body on that particular day.

I’m letting my body lead the way, and it is such a treat!

As of right now, my weekly routine includes some combination of the following:

–Jazzercise

–a walk/hike outside (the sunshine, the fresh air, a good podcast, oh my.)

–an Emkfit HIIT dance or Pilates workout (because they are short and fun and always make me smile)

–an Allie Bennett strut workout on the treadmill (because strutting, yes, obviously.)

–a Heather Robertson workout (because they make me feel strong)

–Yoga (because it keeps me centered and lets my body uncoil after a long day)

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They are all challenging in their own way, but they are also fun. They give my body something that it needs, whether that’s a good stretch, a good sweat, a good strut, or simply just movement. Nothing feels like a punishment and nothing is breaking the bank. Almost everything on this list is freeeeee.

I can feel the difference between days I work out and days I don’t, but I am also noticing the days when my body simply needs rest. For the first time in my life I feel like I’m listening to my body rather than just staring at it. I’m working with my body rather than against it, and it’s never felt so good to be allies.

Right now, this is what’s working for me, but it’s empowering to know that I can change it at any time. I can make it harder, I can make it easier, I can take days off and I can add days on. It’s my choice and it’s for my benefit! After all, exercise is for me, so I might as well make it something that I enjoy.