Winter’s Sunlight…

Working our way from winter sunrise to sunset (Wildwood, NJ)

I know what you’re thinking; we’ve got our comfy sweats on (for lounging, not actual sweating), the remote control within reach and those sweet and salty snacks calling to us from a room away! Who’s got time for a workout? Sure, watching the sunrise over the ocean has its appeal, but so does Hallmark! The view’s pretty there, too! While comfort food and movie marathons make for a great weekend and are good for our mental health, we’ve still gotta think about our physical well-being (according to all those Google experts).

 Motivation is the secret sauce to a good workout, and, let’s face it, it’s hard to be motivated when the temperature outside is frightful (and french fries fireside are so delightful). Limited sunlight (Vitamin D’s bestie) makes things more challenging, but we’re up to the task!

Treadmills are great; however, let’s remember we’re not really getting anywhere… It’s a pretty world out there, so let’s go see it!

Remember slow and steady wins the race (thank God!), so we’ll approach this gradually…get off that comfy couch and bundle up! Warm up with a good, and yes, slow stroll along the beach, eventually picking up that pace, naturally feasting our eyes on that view (careful not to crash into fellow workout enthusiasts) …

Once officially warmed up, steps dutifully taken and counted (brain exercise), why not toss in a 10-minute yoga session, sure to combat when-will-these-cold-days-end stress, plus the beach view from upside down is breathtaking (eye exercise!) Nothing fancy is necessary here; deep breathing, stretching and staring into space (i.e. meditating) doesn’t require special skills…

Still with me? For those who answered affirmatively, let’s review: We’ve walked and “yoga’d” ourselves into strength and serenity, what could be left on this health trip? Do we need to sprint our way back to our couch and well-deserved comfort food? If feeling up to the task, sure! Otherwise, alternating a brisk walk with an easy-breezy saunter will do, sure to leave us feeling fit and worthy of a warm winter weekend (fleece, flannel & french fries optional).