Running on Happiness-Back to Basics

I often talk about the benefits of exercise- here, and in my daily conversations. I am what you could call a "self imposed exercise marketing specialist". I am here to remind you exercise is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. There is nothing that comes even close to how beneficial it is- I can't help but smile just talking about it. With that said, today I want to chat with you about how necessary it is to participate in enjoyable exercise; do what makes your heart sing and soul happy-especially during turbulent, trying, and incredibly stressful periods.

I recently began to think about how immensely important it is to engage in "enjoyable" exercise -lately life has been a little bit more hectic; I have several projects in the works-some that I will tune you into soon, promise :) But needless to say how blessed and fortunate I am to have such opportunities before me, I have to admit I have felt a little bit more stressed out than usual. I have to tell you how important it has been to engage in exercise that I truly love. I can tell you from experience that if you are participating in an exercise plan doesn't encompass exercises you love- it will be the first thing to fall off your to do list- and this won't help your stress.

With so many stressful things in life, I figured it would be silly of me to bog myself down with a stressful and tedious exercise programs-so I decided to bring things back down to basics. Instead of worrying about sets, and reps, and heart rate, blah blah blah. I stripped my workout down to the basics- I went back to my first, true and unfailing love: running. When all else fail me, running does not.



Running has always been a great escape for me. It has been a haven for my thoughts, feelings, and dreams. A safe place for me to share my hopes dreams and fears.  When its stripped down, and only me and the pavement, I feel I have made the greatest realizations, the biggest breakthroughs, and I have learned the most about myself.

I have decided that for the next few days I will just run. Run and relax. Work through my stress. Focus on me and my thoughts. Unplug from the world, and just be me.

Here is my workout for the moment:

Run

Nothing fancy. Nothing extreme. Simple and basic. My first love.

I encourage you all to take some time and strip your workout down to basics from time to time. Remember why you first fell in love with working out. Rekindle your relationship with exercise. Don't over think your workout. Don't add unneeded stress to yourself- bring it back to basics. Do what refreshes your soul. This way you will strengthen your body and mind- and what could possibly be better than that? <3

Being fit and pretty starts with your mind-so take care of that beautiful mind and soul of yours. Beauty starts from within.
-Carmen

P.S. I follow my run off with 100 crunches, 3 X 20 push ups, 3 X 20 lunges for added oh so sexy-hot body benefits ;)