This is a guest post by SpouseLink.org Editor
When you’re part of a military family, you can be here one moment and gone the next. Traveling and making moves around the country and the world are all part of the deal — which makes life a great adventure! But it can also be stressful to find yourself in unfamiliar territory, or to know that your support system of friends and family isn’t within reach.
That’s when the usual workout routine you’ve enjoyed for years can begin to slide away — as other daily activities take over, such as registering the kids at new schools, finding a new job, learning where the local shopping centers are, or just meeting new people. It can be even harder if you’re between locations and not ready to settle in yet.
Before you let your workout slide for another day, take these three tips into consideration — and then put them to good use.
1) Go for a run. Even if you don’t consider yourself a jogger or runner, and you have only ever speed-walked on a treadmill, a good run can be one of the most beneficial ways to get your whole body in shape. Plus, it’s great to get outdoors and doesn’t take long to run around the block, or on a nearby path. You’ll get to see what the local wildlife is like, breathe in fresh air (which is awesome for your muscles and general well-being), and elevate your heart rate in a healthy, non-stressful way. Just keep an eye on the time and distance so you don’t outpace yourself.
2) Ride a bike. Miss your cycling class at a gym? Challenge yourself with an actual bike ride throughout your new city, town or around the countryside. You can see what the locals and the tourists are up to along the way. Discover restaurants to try later. And get a feel for the overall personality of your new location. It will also give you something fun to write home about. (By the way, if you don’t own your own bike, keep in mind that a lot of places rent them, so be on the lookout for that opportunity.)
3) Just say “Om”. Whether or not there are any gyms in town, you can find plenty of resources available to help you incorporate yoga into your day. Bookstores and libraries, TV shows and online videos can all help you tune into a yoga instructor you like. You only need minimal space at home to roll out your mat or a large towel — and if you’ve never tried it before, you might be surprised by how sculpted you can get from what may seem to be a few random stretches and poses.
Any way and anywhere you go, if you make a point of taking a moment for yourself, you can stay in shape and get to feeling fit again, without having to invest in a temporary club membership somewhere. Whether you go out into nature or stay indoors, your efforts will reward you with a lighter frame of mind that keeps you looking forward to your next great life adventure!
NOTE: As with any exercise program, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor before participating in any new activity. The exercise tips above are meant as suggestions only. Use your best judgment and pay attention to the individual needs of your own body.
AAFMAA is the longest-standing not-for-profit association that empowers current and former military with affordable financial solutions including, life insurance, investment management, and survivor assistance. AAFMAA is also the creator of SpouseLink, a free website for Military Spouses that was created to support, inform and inspire users with a variety of content–anything from pop culture to important Military information.
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Cavakia says
There's no excuse! Getting a workout is very important to release feel good chemicals of the brain even while traveling. And it's now easier to find bicycle station if you live and big cities like I do living in Miami, Fl.