The Importance of Parameters

When I was 18, I had started to teach aerobics classes at my local gym, and I remember telling my parents that I wanted to be a “career” aerobics instructor, and that I wasn’t too keen on going to college. My mom said, “That’s ridiculous,” and immediately denounced the notion. My Dad gave it a bit more thought but ultimately said, “That’d be like digging ditches all day, Ellen.”  He was worried about the toll it would take on my body. I ended up going to college and finding aerobics classes to teach there, so everyone was happy, but I write this to say, 1. no dream is ridiculous, and 2. having a physical job is a total blessing, if you set parameters. 

Early on, I didn’t have parameters. I taught a billion classes a week and the only sort of “self-care” I ever did was sleep well (which is a pretty major one!). I was very much paycheck-to-paycheck and while friends were getting big salaries and paid vacations and wearing fancy outfits, I was rationing my Baja Fresh burrito (turning it into lunch and dinner) and traipsing all over town in sweaty workout clothes, but I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Was I delusional? 

When you feel strong and energized, the opportunity to move is a blessing, BUT in order to find sustainability, parameters need to be set. Mine started organically once I established myself a bit. For one, I’d give myself one day per week off from teaching and from formally working out. Secondly, I’d “splurge” every once in a while and take a restorative class – one that felt like total relaxation and a trip to a spa, like yin yoga, guided meditation or sound healing. Third, I gravitated towards teaching mostly barefoot, breathing-focused, flow classes that very much nurtured my body and mind. (If I was teaching HIIT or kickboxing for all of these years, I’m pretty sure I’d have retired by now.)

These parameters are not just for me, they are for you too! Sleep well, take one day off from formal workouts, indulge in spa-like “treats” like restorative yoga, massage, reiki, acupuncture, et al, and keep moving “nutritiously” with mind/body movement.Looking for a winning formula for longevity? This is it! I’m living proof. 

You and I are “in it to win it” for life, so move your body – it’s meant to move – but parameters are key. ✨