The element of Spring is fire, the season of transformation and rebirth. The color is yellow, representing the sun. This is the time of year to put passion behind your vision, or to light a fire under your feet! Reflecting on your goals and vision set in the winter, NOW is the time to spring into action by putting a system in place to accomplish your dreams.

 

What’s the favorite question asked by people who have read Marie Kondo’s book: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: the Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing? Kondo says the best way to choose what to keep vs. throw away is to take each item in hand and ask: “Does this spark joy?” If it does, keep it. If not, dispose of it. This is not only the simplest but also the most accurate yardstick by which to judge. Apply these principles when accounting for how you spend time, attention, energy and organizing your lifestyle for optimal for health and wellness.

 

“I don’t have the time” is a frequent exercise avoidance excuse. Finding time, like weeding through your closet, is weeding through your life. Examine your daily/weekly schedule honestly, tracking how you spend time in 30-minute intervals. Are you hitting the snooze button and sleeping in? Do you waste time social media scrolling? Binge watching shows? Researching weight loss and fitness products over and over, looking for a quick fix? Stop scrolling, and “Just DO IT”!

 

A 30-minute workout window is all you need! Make this habit stick it must by making it a routine like making your bed or brushing your teeth. Schedule your wellness time like you would a doctor’s appointment or a meeting with your boss, so you think twice before blowing it off. Follow through on your scheduled commitment to being fit.

 

Now, ask yourself, “Does my workout space and routine spark joy?” If you’re new (or returning) to exercise, creating a home workout routine and space is an easy way to begin. This eliminates excuses such as gym membership costs and commuting time. Dedicate a space in your home for exercise. You only need room for a mat and container to hold weights, exercise bands and a stretching strap. It’s best to exercise in a space that is clutter free, beautiful and filled with natural light. This will make meeting your mat every day much easier. When I work out at home I play music, light a candle and put on a YouTube landscape video creating an uplifting vibe.

 

If you need guidance, online fitness options are unlimited. My online CirqularX365 training program (LucindaLaree.com) was created specifically for those new to exercise or getting back after recovering from illness or injury. It is progressive, teaching the fundamentals of movement, building upon a foundation of flexibility, mobility, balance, muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance. This can be done anywhere (even when traveling) and it will get you fit for this adventure called life.

 

Lack of joy may mean it’s time to change it up. Cross training (alternating between different forms of exercise) offers numerous benefits: reduced risk of overuse injuries, improved athletic performance and mental stimulation. If your workouts have become stagnant, try something new to challenge your mind/body connection such as yoga or Pilates. If yoga is your thing, try adding a strength training program. Switch from daily running to a weekly aerobic dance class to challenge your coordination or jump in the pool for non-weight bearing cardio. Avoid judging yourself or the activity too harshly. It takes 4-8 weeks to learn the movement language and techniques, and for your body to adapt to the training. Then, ask yourself, “Am I excited about doing this program? Am I achieving my fitness goals? Does it spark JOY?” If yes, keep it. If no, try something new.

 

“A life well lived, the space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.” -Marie Kondo