A Chilly Start to the Day
Today's active recovery day took us back to the familiar yet frosty surroundings of the lake, with temperatures dipping to -15°C. Despite bundling up, the biting wind made our 20-minute walk more challenging than usual. The vast openness of the lake's paths and parks, usually a source of tranquility, today amplified the cold. To compensate for the lack of zone minutes on my Fibtbit, I added a 25-minute rowing session on my Bowflex Revolution in the afternoon, following a snow shoveling session under the watchful eye of my dog. Our day concluded with another walk after dinner, maintaining our routine despite the cold.
Active recovery decoded and why you need it.
Looking Ahead: The Maintenance Phase
Today's lesson shifted our focus to the future, specifically the maintenance phase post-program. It outlined the gradual build-up of habits that will eventually become second nature, requiring no conscious effort to maintain. The lesson encouraged us to envision the person we aspire to be—fit, health-conscious, self-caring—and to consider how our support circle fits into this vision. The suggestion to replace traditional coffee and cake meetups with active catch-ups like walks presents an interesting shift in social dynamics, one that aligns with healthier lifestyle choices but may require some adjustment.
This was a bit of a surprise considering we haven't even touched on the actual what to eat part of the program but I trust the process so far things are already changing for me for the better. When I talked about the lesson with my family at supper, my son mentioned that they haven't even got you tracking food or talking about what to eat how can they be talking about after already? I think this lesson builds on the one from yesterday with our road trip.
Reflecting on Personal Aspirations
As I contemplate the future, my vision for myself becomes clearer. I yearn for a life where health and well-being are at the forefront—where exercise is not a chore but a joy, where food is savored and not used as an emotional salve, and where mindfulness practices like meditation and journaling are integral parts of my routine. Recognizing the need to prioritize my own needs is a significant revelation, one that I'm committed to addressing moving forward. It is so easy to put other people first because we want to help but I realize that I have done that just a bit too much in the past and that is part of what has contributed to my own health being put to the side.
Community Insights and Questions
The presence of past program participants in the Facebook group, still engaged and sharing their continued commitment to the habits and routines they've established, is both inspiring and curious. Their testimonials of feeling better and maintaining a 3-4 times weekly exercise regimen are motivating, yet their reasons for rejoining the program pique my curiosity. While it feels too personal to inquire directly at this stage, I hope their stories will naturally unfold, offering insights and perhaps highlighting the program's lasting impact on their lives.
Closing Thoughts
Today was a day of physical challenges and introspective growth. Braving the cold for the sake of recovery and routine, delving into the future maintenance phase of our wellness journey, and reflecting on personal aspirations and the dynamics of social support have all contributed to a deeper understanding of the path I'm on. As I look forward to becoming the healthiest version of myself, I'm reminded of the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and the value of a supportive community, both within and outside the program.
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