I am learning how to exercise – in moderation.
I am exploring whether it’s down to genes – or open to all.
Whether it is possible to enjoy the experience – without feeling obliged.
The gym is therefore out, although I’ve given it a shot. As is anything that results in injury; involves excessive dirt or does not consider the unstable state of the UK’s climate.
After veering from one extreme to the other, I’m now playing it safe and taking it slow; and, I’m learning from the experience.
Pilates was my first venture. Who’d have thought that something so slow could cause so much pain? Once you’re body’s used to the contortions and you’ve persevered through the pain, the benefits are worth the effort: I have stretched my backache into oblivion and shrugged any tension right out of my system.
I have also started to understand that, if you look after your body, it looks after you.
When you get the connection between body and soul, exercise is far more appealing.
Swimming was my next venture. I might have been a mermaid in a previous life. There’s something deeply comforting in the feeling of water against your skin. There’s a real liberation in that first dive – or just pushing off from the side particularly hard.
If Pilates showed me how my body worked, then swimming taught me to feel better in my skin. Plus, it gave my insomniac tendencies a good seeing to – as did walking.
When you take the ‘should’ out of the equation and focus on the action instead of the goal, it’s really rather nice.
There’s something strangely grounding about trekking over rough terrain – or a particularly stony path; and, nothing beats striding along to a good song on your i-pod. The pavement’s great for absorbing frustration –and hills (the downward bit) for the natural momentum. There’s the smell of grass in spring; dandelions and sun bathing bunnies in summer; the biting crisp of a clear winter’s day; and the warmth of autumn leaves: you appreciate these things when you’ve spent years ignoring them.
Or if you’re standing stock still in the middle of a park.
Tai Chi was an interesting experience – particularly for someone who prefers multi-tasking to single-focussed activities and is driven mad by slow walkers. For a start, it made me stop – and then, it showed me that exercise is never just physical: it’s also about connectivity and, dare I say it, tradition. I started Tai Chi in order to build up my bones, and ended up with an understanding of ancient arts – and a sure fire relaxation technique.
Running fractured my ankle – an important lesson in taking things slowly – but the exhilaration was great before the crunch came. I will be returning with orthotics and a slower agenda.
Cycling was an example of connecting with the inner child – and overcoming the adult fear of taking my feet of the ground. It proved that exercise really can be fun.
I’m missing the team element – so badminton and, maybe squash (if I can work up the courage), are next –
Because, when you stop seeing exercise as an endurance test, there’s a whole host of wider benefits –
I’m not just back in touch with my own body – I’m also feeling a little more connected to the wider world –
Tags: getting out there, recovery
