To state the obvious: it’s been a long year. Maybe you’re one of those people who saw the pandemic as an opportunity to fall in love with your Peloton, take long walks or bike rides with your family, and get in the best shape of your life.
Or, maybe you spent more time watching Netflix than you thought was humanly possible, ate cookies for breakfast with alarming regularity and let any semblance of an exercise routine disappear faster than you can dismiss Netflix’s “Are You Still Watching?” pop-up.
Maybe you’re somewhere in between.
No matter where you fall on the spectrum, you are absolutely fine. Find a moment of gratitude for your body, whatever shape it is in. Breathe in the fresh energy of spring and remember that every day brings a new opportunity to move your body, with the help of some tips and encouragement from campus experts.
Move Outside, Together
Our ability to get outdoors more as spring blossoms encourages both physical movement and human connection. “Exercising outdoors with a friend or neighbor, you can walk, roller blade, go for a bike ride, go hiking, all while maintaining social distance and/or wearing a mask,” says Kristen Konkol, assistant teaching professor of exercise science in the Falk College and I-Move program coordinator in the School of Education.
The Konkol family spending quality time together outdoors.
After many months of isolation, the psychological need for socialization is just as important as the physiological need for exercise, Konkol says. There is also an added bonus of accountability when you involve another person in your plans for movement. “Not only will you get the benefits of fresh air and exercise, you’ll uplift yourself emotionally and have someone to connect with—both socially, and for accountability to stay motivated.”
‘A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins With a Single Step’
This Chinese proverb is relevant for those seeking to return to a fitness routine after a year of unpredictability. Kim DeStefano, wellness coordinator with the Office of Human Resources’ Wellness Initiative, recommends small, achievable steps that can lead to bigger goals.
“When you’re just getting back into the swing of things, the idea of doing an hourlong or even 30-minute workout can seem overwhelming,” she says. “Try to begin by committing to five minutes. Once you are up and moving, you may surprise yourself and want to keep going.”
Konkol also emphasizes the importance of allowing yourself some grace. “We’ve all been going through a lot and people tend to be really hard on themselves when they miss a day or if they’ve been out of the habit of exercising for awhile,” she says. “Instead of beating yourself up, welcome the opportunity to re-boot mentally. If today is step one, then today is step one. Tomorrow will be step two. With exercise, it’s a cumulative effect.”
The DeStefano kids, Asher (1 1/2) and Kennedy (5) love getting outside for activities like bike riding and playground time.
A positive attitude is key, DeStefano says. Remember how good it feels when you make time to move your body and focus on the outcome of being physically active instead of the effort it may take to get started. “Do it for you. Make it a point to set a goal, even a small and very achievable one, then celebrate your successes!”
Get Out and Explore the Great Outdoors
If you’ve been moving consistently but are craving some novel ways to get out and active in the Central New York area and beyond, here are some ideas.
