Getting Unstuck

Dear Aspen reader,

In the popular RomCom, The Wedding Planner (2001), the main character faces a predicament in the initial scenes of the movie as the heel of her shoe gets caught in a manhole cover. As she struggles to break free, panic sets in while cars zoom past and a dumpster careens down the cross street, heading straight for her location. Fortunately a nearby gentleman races to her aid, tackling her and pushing her out of the path of the dumpster. Have you ever found yourself in a situation like this? While I never have, I can imagine that there is anxiety, frustration and the temptation to give in, leaving the shoe in its place. The feelings associated with being trapped are less than positive.

Even if you can’t relate to getting your shoe stuck in a manhole cover, maybe you can identify with feeling “stuck” in your wellness routine. During a holiday or vacation season, it’s easy to find myself off my normal routine and not putting fitness first. It seems that if too many days are missed, it’s difficult to get going once again. However, by considering the benefits of exercise and choosing to start small, I generally motivate myself to begin again.

What are your thoughts surrounding movement? Love, dread, hate or enjoyment?
I urge you to be open and honest with your feelings about exercise. Even if you aren’t a person who loves to move his/her body, that shouldn’t stop you from moving in a direction that will only prove helpful to the health of your body. And can I let you in on a secret? Not everyone who exercises actually ENJOYS it. But I do think that the gains you’ll see as you consistently choose to move your body will outweigh the dread that you might initially face.

Are there warning signs that your body is giving you right now? How do those warning signs influence you?
Think of your body like a car. When the check engine light flashes up on the dashboard, it’s best to start looking into some maintenance before the car breaks down in its entirety. If you are feeling sluggish, achy or weak it might be a signal that your body is needing more strength and vitality which can come through consistent movement. I guarantee that if you give attention to your body’s indicators, you’ll begin to develop a deeper understanding of movement and its purpose in your wellness journey.

In health,

Alecia

“Be open and honest with your feelings about exercise. Even if you aren’t a person who loves to move his/her body, that shouldn’t stop you from moving in a direction that will only prove helpful to the health of your body.”