Years ago I learned that I exercise best when I am with others. I get bored doing an exercise tape at home alone, and get fidgety and distracted when I do yoga at home. When I walk alone, I don’t go as far, or as fast as I do when I am with a walking buddy.
Just having this awareness of my “exercise personality” was enough to keep my exercise routine in check. So, I make sure that I take classes at my local YMCA including spin, yoga, boot camp, or whatever is happening in a group. Putting these classes on my calendar each week is essential for keeping up a good exercise routine. Exercise helps me feel great, and maintain my body weight. I’ve also met some great “regulars” in the classes I attend each week and we’ve become friends and a support network for business and personal life.
A few years ago a good friend of mine and I started to schedule a weekly walk together. It was a different time and date each week depending on our work and children’s schedules, but we were both equally as dedicated to making it happen. Each week we have an hour to catch up on each other’s lives and it always seems that we each have enough time to get our story out and listen and support the other.
Recognizing that I had this wonderful perfect gift of a walking buddy, I wanted to offer this to others in the local area by being a walking partner. I recently started a walking group every Saturday morning at 8:00 am. It is just a placeholder in the calendar for those in the community. They know they will have someone to walk with, and I get another walk in and get to meet new people too. I never know who will show up or what they will talk about, so it is a bit of an adventure for everyone.
Now, I have met many people who just want time to themselves on their walks. They want to clear their head, or listen to music as they walk alone. This too is healing, and healthy. I too used to love being alone walking or hiking with nature as my companion. But over time, and with my walking buddy relationship, I have gained a greater respect for the power of positive relationships, and support.
As a Health Coach, I witness the healing power of having someone listen to you for an hour in this fast paced, multitasking, sound bite world. If you need someone to listen to you and help you with your health and happiness, contact me for a complimentary consultation.