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by on ‎08-07-2014 10:25 AM

I’m trying to relax more. 


Even just writing that makes me anxious.  I’m not a person who can easily sit still. Like at all. Ever. But, I need too. I used to teach yoga and be a major devotee. I loved the studios I studied in when we lived in Southern California but since the move east and QVC and crazy toddlers, I haven’t found the same time and space to get my flow on. In the past few years I’ve stepped up my steps; running and walking more and incorporated HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) with P90X, Insanity and T-25. I love the workouts, they are quick and really sculpt me but they are hard core.



I finish and feel like superwoman, pulsing with testosterone, ready to lift a car off a child as opposed to a lithe gazelle open, calm, and clear headed, like I felt after yoga



So last week I did something drastic. I stopped. I lowered the goal on my FitBit, and decided to just do yoga every morning. Okay, don’t freak out, if you know me you realize this is crazy talk, especially the FitBit part, but hear me out. I was doing about 14,000 steps a day on my FitBit as a result of T-25 work outs and then chasing after toddlers all day long (not to mention walking the coliseum size QVC building.) I took my goal down to 10,000 steps and promised I wouldn’t flog myself if I didn’t make it to 10,001.  I am super competitive so that has been hard for me.  I am used to be at the top of my leader board of friends, family and QVC colleagues, and watching my name slip down the list has been hard.  



Cue breathing. That has been the goal. Breathe more, stretch more, stop contracting my body and let it have a break! Years of overachieving, multitasking and trying to have it all has left me a little crazy.  Throw in fertility drugs on and off for 8 years, pregnancy, loss, working in the middle of the night and breastfeeding two children (at the same time) and I’m surprised I haven’t completely shut down.   


Actually I did.  About two months ago I woke up and could barely move.  My body hurt to touch and I was weak for about 36 hours.  I ended up sleeping every few hours.  I thought I had some terrible illness. Turns out my body just needed a break. 


So I am taking one.  The kind of yoga I do is still a great workout, but it doesn’t get me any steps and I’m learning to be okay with that.  Just being me I can still get in my 10K steps a day and I’m not giving up my weekly walks with Rachel Boesing but I’m trying to be less obsessed about it. 


Through this, I have fallen back in love with yoga and with strolling.  The two are complementary.  I have never been a stroller, I speed walk everywhere.  My college roommate nearly ended our relationship when we traveled through Europe together because I always walked too fast. 



 My husband is always yelling, “Im not running” when we walk around town or on the beach together.  And Rachel is more used to seeing the back of my head on our walks then being next to me.  I walk fast. But the new Kerstin isn’t in a hurry. 



The other day I decided to see if my little’s wanted to try this new gentle walking thing with me. I knew I would have to be slow for the 4 year olds but it was okay. I did my yoga before they woke up and I was ready to take it slow to enjoy my kiddos. I put on my new Vionic sneakers (in Grey because that is the color of the fall) and we headed out around our neighborhood (AKA farm, rural area, forest.) It was a different experience for me. I let them run ahead and occasionally accepted their offers to race a few feet.  



We discovered creeks I hadn’t seen before and talked about where the water comes from and where it goes.



We stopped and counted the rings in a downed tree and talked about how you know how old the trees are.



We just enjoyed nature.  For me it wasn’t about getting in a workout or beating my steps it was just about being with my girls and letting them lead the way. My body appreciated the relaxing walk and I enjoyed the quality time.


Even with my little break from over doing it, I will never stop walking. I love nature and the outdoors too much.  As long as I am able I will always take the stairs and park far away and offer to get up and get the remote or a glass of water. It’s how I keep the weight off and stay in shape and still each chocolate and drink wine.  But, I think that learning to breathe a little more and huff and puff a little less is good for me right now.  I’m blessed to be in a time and place where I have access to the right tools; a room to practice yoga, a Fitbit to keep me on track, and the right shoes to get me outside with my girls.


We will see what happens. If I can keep it up, and If all this yoga and strolling can actually get me to relax a little. It doesn’t matter what kind of physical activity you are doing just do something. And make it something that makes your body happy. If you need some help with the right tools check out my “Fitness Corner” collection on Togather and pick up the awesome Todays Special Value Vionic by Orthaheel Sneakers. They will make even the angriest, flat, over pronated, arch less feet happy.


               Find your balance.


               Have a blessed day.


               - Kerstin 


www.facebook.com/kerstinlindquistqvc