By: Alesa Arnett, NCSF-PT, GGS-1
Your Fit and Kindred Sister
Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit
1st things 1st – Time for check-in! Did you take a selfie of your beautiful face? Take one now, compare the two, and smile. Did you replace many meals with colorful salads? Learn something new about your pelvic floor? Try a new exercise, fitness experience or routine? I do hope you are practicing self-care because summer is expecting you to bring it!
Generally, the earlier months of the year are spent preparing and planning for summer fun stuff, such as longer vacations, beach trips, fruit smoothies and popsicles…And don’t forget keeping the kids busy while school’s out! What shouldn’t you prepare for? Shedding extra weight JUST to look good in ‘that bathing suit’…There are better reasons and so much more to it than that bathing suit! As discussed in the last issue, if our actions
to transform, renew, and/or refresh ourselves take place consistently, you can easily reach your goal of being summer-ready. As you maintain your healthier lifestyle, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your efforts!
So, what are you looking forward to most? A break from work? Just spending time at home watching all the movies is KILLER! Or maybe a trip to a special destination may have a spot on the calendar. I’m 59 and enjoy a more peaceful, chill lifestyle. Here are 10 things to do in and around San Antonio this summer. Maybe you can add one of these purposeful, active, or mindful ideas to your summer:
- A gentler hike or bike down a new nature trail – catch the views of our planet’s miraculous splendor.
- Take a virtual summer cooking class.
- Visit a Farmer’s market; eat FARM FRESH fruits/veggies while you shop.
- Volunteer at a Senior Center/Nursing Home – the residents benefit from more compassion, attention, and activity in their lives.
- Play a board game or watch a movie with the kids outdoors in the evening on a blanket under the stars while enjoying a big bowl of berries or unbuttered popcorn.
- Take a dip or join an aqua fitness class at a pool you rarely use (personal challenge).
- Treat yourself to a new pair of bright comfy flip-flops and summery toenail polish.
- Try a restorative yoga or meditation session – SO relaxing.
- Plant new flowers and play in the dirt; hose off now and then!
- *Listen to a new song. I am so thankful for my life every time I hear Janis Ian sing ‘I’m Still Standing’.
Most importantly, look at yourself in the mirror every morning. SEE yourself in all your *beauty and say, ‘I Love You’. May you be peaceful, energized, resilient and kindred as you strive to move more, eat differently, and embrace the changes. Enjoy your summer!
Alesa is a proud retired Air Force Medic. She has been married to her best friend for 30 years, enjoys her three beautiful kids, and two grandsons, and visits with her Mom. She is now a very part-time Women’s Coaching Specialist, finally claiming to be ‘retired’, and living life peacefully. Email: myperkfitness@gmail.com