Movement vs. Exercise

Looks peaceful, doesn’t it? I love to row, and I do not think of it as exercise…although it is! I find it to be pure work in the moment, but after pure enjoyment and satisfaction. I do not pressure myself. My goal is to show up at the RowHouse every week at Lane Ave and do the best I can in the moment.

Exercise is a term I avoid. For me it conjures up junior high school gyms, repetitious movements, feeling bad because I could not do push ups or pull ups easily(still can’t!), not making the basketball team in high school, etc, etc. I have learned a way to make moving a pleasure and it has to do with mindfulness.

When I row, hike, walk, swim…I make it a point to be aware of my body, feel the sensations and notice the feeling before and after the activity. This extends the life of the actions, and increases my self esteem as well as viability of the event. I want to do it again!

Joining a class is helpful if you are not motivated to do these things alone. Local recreation centers like Worthington and Westerville near Columbus. OH have VERY affordable memberships, even if you do not live there. State of the art facilities and staff will help you regain your best self through movement.