I was that kid that hated any form of physical activity growing up. Hated it. Each year at school we’d have to run the mile and that would be one of the tests used to divide our year into 4 groups based on ability. Whenever the PE instructor’s back was turned, I’d slow down from my very easy jog to a straight-up walk. I loathed PE and resented the fact that we were expected to take part in organised sports. I think it was the academic system’s push to make us interested in a sport that put the kibosh on exercising for me.
Which isn’t to say that I was a lazy sloth. I actually swam competitively throughout school (100m back stroke was my preferred event) and I actual letter in Varsity swimming. Plus I did a lot of dance. But I’d roll my eyes and shoot eye daggers at you if you asked me to run/catch a ball/kick a ball/fake cheer for team spirit.
I ended my swimming career: after high school unless you have Olympic aspirations (yea right), I didn’t really see the point in swimming for a university. I did continue to dance and even spent time in a professional company. It was then that I started doing yoga. Layer that with lots of dance classes at drama school, topped with more yoga classes and a lot of Alexander technique. I became a fully-fledged yoga supported.
I try to attend at least one class a week (rotating through Vinyasa Flow, gentle Hatha, an energetic Ashtanga if I’m feeling peppy – and my favourite – a women’s only class.). I follow up with self-practice (mostly youtube video led) a few nights a week. If you’d like to get started doing some yoga at home, here are some yoga postures to get you started.
And much to the surprise of 16 year old me, I’ve found a tolerance for running. I’d never say that I loved running. But I know I need some cardio and I like being outside. Plus, I may have mentioned before, but I’m running the Great North Run this year so I’m training for my first half marathon. (I’m running for charity, on the behalf of Beat, and I’d love if you could donate to Beat for the run.)
Ingredients:
2 handfuls baby spinach leaves
300ml coconut water
1 1⁄2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
1 tsp coconut oil
1 scoop whey protein powder
1⁄2 tsp cinnamon
Manuka honey to taste
Instructions:
Blend together and serve in a tall glass
All my new yoga kit is from John Lewis. Check it out!
What’s your exercise of choice?
***This post was in collaboration with a brand, but all opinions are forever my own***
