“Variety’s the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavor”

–William Cowper

Like the quote above, I really need to mix it up when playing around with a consistent everyday exercise routine.

What I mean by that is that I have more fun by following a balanced game plan that involves consistency, predictability and structure. Including healthy doses of novelty is also key.

It’s fun to get started by cutting up a fresh lemon and lime and spring water to put in my water bottle, which helps me get in a good mindset for the day.

And then taking supplements while preparing a hearty smoothie with fresh fruit, kale and protein & green superfood powders helps me get into the exercise vibe. It’s fun creating a proactive base smoothie tincture with the powders, gut support and serums good for the neurological system.

The travel ninja blender has become a good friend.

Nowadays, I enjoy physically going to a community gym and working on the various new equipment because it’s a nice way to connect with like minded people who are on familiar roads along the journey in healing.

Besides, it’s good to have somewhere to go because I know what I’m there to do, and look forward to being in a social environment that encourages this kind of human behavior.

If possible, I like to start out by warming up in a standing foot vibrating light therapy machine.

And then after that I typically use some of the other equipment for resistance training. I don’t lift heavy weights anymore but enjoy getting in my resistance training with low impact weight lifting.

After that, I prefer getting in my cardio primarily on the elliptical machine and treadmill; perhaps also some biking to cool down and stretch or maybe a rowing machine.

For the sake of creativity, it’s fun to design my own format by increasing and decreasing the speeds and tension on the machines periodically when I intuitively feel moved to do so.

It’s helpful to exercise mindfully by checking my heart rate, noticing how long and far I’ve traveled and how many calories I’ve burned.

My favorite part is cooling down with the massage machines before I leave the gym. On my ride back home, I’m already looking forward to drawing a bubble bath with epsom salt to relax and sooth sore muscles.

On alternative days, I like getting out on the trails for a good hike, mixed in with a mid-point sitting meditation to connect with Nature and the animals or going for a run and ending with jumping rope.

There’s a College nearby with a track, so I’m looking forward to getting in a little track work here and there as the Spring temps continue to warm. I like to run walk jog as a way to work in a little lather, build cardio and get the heart rate up and down.

Another fun way to follow an exercise routine is to warm up and cool down with a little T’ai chi and Qigong.

And how could I forget the training montage below. The visuals and soundtrack are forever imprinted in the mirror of my mind as shown in the video below:

Take care of yourselves everyone,

Ari