01 Aug WHAT’S YOUR NEXT THING?
We all have that one thing that we love to do, right? In the context of exercise and fitness, it may be walking, jogging, CrossFit, hiking, swimming, Orange Theory, weightlifting, tennis, cycling, Silver Sneakers, climbing, Pilates, Yoga, or competitive sports. The list is exhaustive and reflects more options at this time than I can recall at any other time in my career: providing something challenging, rewarding, and perhaps even fun for everyone. For the past several years, my thing has been cycling; before that, hockey, softball, weightlifting, golf, running, and competitive sports in one form or another. But, frequently the question of what your “thing” is becomes the wrong question. I find that more often the relevant question is “what’s your NEXT thing?”. Let me explain.
Few of us are stable in our health, physical abilities, interests, or motivation for long. Some are fortunate enough to be improving, some plateauing, and some in a slow (or sudden) state of degradation. And then there are injuries and illness to contend with. I see this with family, friends, neighbors, as well as maybe more vividly in patients. We have our thing, lose our mojo in one way or another, and resort to doing nothing. Doing nothing is an understandable reaction to losing your “thing.” However, that is the perfect time to ask yourself the more relevant question. What’s your NEXT thing?
If you are healthy and are feeling good physically, perhaps your next thing represents a new stretch, challenge, or a goal that has been in the back of your mind. Do the Mini, swim the Channel, Climb Everest, walk the Appalachian trail, or join the next level tennis league. These and other endeavors require planning and training to raise your level of fitness and ability, and a change in mindset. You ARE the person who can do that next thing, and you must embrace it, or fake it ’till you make it. And, increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of your activity will require that you don’t over-stress your system as you push forward.
Maybe your next thing is simply a decrease in difficulty from where you are now. Less intensity, duration, or frequency of your favorite activity, a less competitive league, or perhaps an activity that stresses a particular part of your body a bit less. Swimming or cycling instead of running, walking instead of jogging, or golf instead of tennis. Sometimes mixing in a less vigorous activity still allows you to do your thing less frequently with more rest between sessions. Whatever you choose, embrace it, commit to it, and make it an important part of who you are.
And, whether you are reaching upward or carefully backing down your physical fitness and health related ambitions, you must ensure that you maintain your physical health for optimal enjoyment. Body One offers care options for you wherever you might be on your journey to your “next thing.” Contact one of our convenient practice locations to schedule an appointment with one of our enthusiastic and professional staff if we can help you over any hurdles that might be standing in your way.
To being the best at your “next thing,”
Brian
