What is your favorite form of physical exercise?

Incorporating physical activity into our daily lives not only keeps us fit but it adds a dash of adventure and fun. My love for walking, hiking, Pilates, and yoga paired with proper nutrition has been transformative. It has also been key in maintaining my weight loss of over 50 lbs.

Walking was the first step (no pun intended!) when I recommitted to a healthier lifestyle in November of 2015. A walk around the block turned into one mile, and as my stamina grew, so did my miles. Walking has helped improve my cardiovascular health, but more importantly it has done wonders for mental clarity. I often say that I can solve the worlds problems during my daily walks, and my favorite hashtag when posting about my walks is #walkingisgoodforthesoul. It truly is!

Did you know that the average person will walk an equivalent of three times around the Earth in a lifetime? That’s a lot of steps!!!

Hiking is the perfect blend of cardio and strength training. I discovered my love for hiking with my husband, Steven, while in Colorado and it quickly became our favorite summer activity. It enhances lower body strength (hello glutes & hammies), and also engages your core and upper body while navigating through the trails. Like walking, being in the great outdoors has been proven to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. Speaking from experience, I can attest to its natural mood booster! 

Did you know the world’s longest hiking trail is the Pacific Crest trail which stretches 2,653 miles from Mexico to Canada? It also happens to be on my bucket list to do a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail after watching the movie, Wild. See previous post on this.

I started doing Pilates this past June and it has been a game-changer for my core strength. It targets deep abdominal muscles, helping to achieve better posture, balance, and a strong stable core. Since incorporating both reformer and mat Pilates into my routine, I’ve noticed a significant increase in my flexibility and improvement in my balance.

Did you know that Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates during World War I as a method to help wounded soldiers recover and regain strength?

Yoga is all about harmony between body and mind. I discovered yoga in 2019 and instantly fell in love with it due to its calming effect and it continuously challenges the limits of what the body is capable of achieving. The regular practice of yoga enhances flexibility, promotes relaxation, and reduces stress, all contributors to better mental health. Strong core muscles make poses like inversions more attainable. I’m so excited to share that at an inversion workshop at my local yoga studio, and with the guidance of the instructor, I DID IT!!! Like I said, it’s amazing what the body can do when you challenge it!!! 

Did you know the word “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit word “yuji,” meaning “to yoke” or “to unite.” It symbolizes the union of mind, body, and spirit.

Walking, hiking, Pilates, and yoga have transformed my life in countless ways. Proper nutrition fuels my body for more effectiveness while exercising. You cannot compensate for an unhealthy diet through exercise alone. As they say, “Abs are made in the kitchen!”

Have you challenged your body lately?

Imagine ~ Believe ~ ACHIEVE

Life With Lisa 💪🏼