Healthy at Home for the Holidays week 2: movement

Hey, you: move your body.
Yes, you.
I’m speaking to all of you, of course.
 
I bring up physical activity to my patients with joint pain of course, but did you know it can also be beneficial for those with digestive concerns, anxiety, depression, and even hormonal imbalances?
If you’re looking for a “magic bullet” for health, regular physical activity is about as close we can get.
 
No matter who you are, and you have going on, move it, shake it, and don’t forget to have fun.
 
In this week’s topic, movement as medicine, I’m going to skip right over all the stats on why exercise is healthy for you.
Because, snooze.
And, I know from my years in practice that stats and data don’t change minds and hearts.
 
Even the word exercise is highly problematic.
It conjures up ideas of boring chores, counting repetitions, and forcing yourself to do something you don’t want to do.
 
So instead, let’s celebrate all the amazing things our bodies can do by moving them in ways we enjoy.
 
But where to start?
And although you probably know by now that my unofficial motto is, “just start somewhere,” let me share with you a few great folks. In the interest of geography and current guidelines, I share those I know personally who offer virtual classes and sessions:
 
Jill and Cara with PUSH Fitness – these two Salem-based personal trainers help women of all ages celebrate their fitness and strength, no matter where you’re starting from. Small group in-person and virtual class options.
 
Christal and gang with Fusion Fitness – evening classes including VXN dancing. Small group in-person and virtual class options.
Melissa with Optimal Living offers not only yoga classes (private and group) and nutrition counseling but is also my go-to mindfulness and meditation expert. Exclusively online.
 
Taylor Harris with Flow As You Are Yoga. A few of you out there will recognize her from my original Healthy at Home and Move With Us videos. Taylor merges mindfulness, mind-body awareness and yoga during her virtual sessions.
 
Dawn with Bit by Bit Bodyworks – who adepts combines mindful movement with body awareness in small group and private virtual sessions.
 
Gillian Byers – a body-positive personal trainer and Reembody Method Apprentice.
Rachel – a Seattle-based personal trainer, also a Reembody Method Apprentice.
 
Tami – my all-time personal favorite Zumba teacher. She is a great instructor who makes sure those of all levels are having fun and getting in a great workout. Weekly virtual and in-person outdoor classes (Portland).
The trainers at Training Day PDX, which was my original and most-love weight-lifting gym, offers online coaching.
 
Evolution Healthcare and Fitness – is a gym I have enjoyed weight lifting classes from, and currently teaches both in-person small groups and virtual classes.
 
Now more than ever we are connected across long distances. Your personal trainer could be a city, a state, or a time zone (or more) away. Your yoga teacher could be all the way across the globe, and that’s not really all that unusual nowadays.
 
But if you’re looking for “low-touch” i.e. DIY home movement options, here is a list of curated choices from yours truly as well as those shared with me by friend, family, and patients:
 
Yoga with Adriene

Miranda Esmonde-White has mobility and movement-based courses, videos, and books
 
The big caution with the DIY approach is to listen to your body, and honor what unique needs it has every day. Some days may desire high-impact energetic exercise. Other days may need restorative, gentle movement. Don’t force it, and stop to modify whenever you need.
 
So now I’ve given you a ton of places to start. I wanted to give you enough choices for all types of needs.
Where to start? Anywhere. Truly. Just pick one video, one coach, one exercise, and try it on for size.
You can’t go wrong if you just keep moving and have fun.