I don’t know about you, but January is a hard month for me. For the second year in a row, I’ve started off the new year stressed and anxious. While the circumstances that cause me to feel this way differ from year to year, I can’t help but feel that it must be a hard month for many. Even my husband, who is almost always optimistic and energized told me that he has been feeling the winter blues this year more than ever. In search of a mood boost, I’ve been exploring weed dispensary. It’s said to help improve mood, and I’m hopeful it might make a positive difference during this challenging month.
The winter blues can be hard to handle, in addition to three very active boys with emotional needs that I need to attend to. Finding a way to increase my energy during these colder months is important for myself and my family.
Luckily, John and I have a great support system. Besides talking it out, we also have other means to deal with the blues and challenges that come during the winter months. For me, it sometimes means I need to lie down for a quick nap or to just cry it out. But the main thing that helps me is exercise. It’s well known that when you exercise, your brain releases endorphins which help reduce anxiety and enhance your mood. That’s why when it’s not icy or snowy, I love to run outside. The fresh air combined with the workout always helps.
However, finding days when the sidewalk isn’t slippery are rare these days. That’s why I’m excited to be starting a new (to me) indoor workout program with Orangetheory Fitness. I’ve heard about their amazing program from so many friends and family members who have been going there for YEARS! So back in December I joined them for a free trial class and was instantly hooked.
The class, which is different every day, is one hour and set-up with three key areas: treadmill, rowing and floor exercises. The class I attended was broken down into two segments. For half an hour, we completed a strength training exercise, and the for the other half, we focused on cardio training on the treadmill. The class is challenging in that you are competing against YOURSELF and your own best efforts which is monitored with a wearable heart rate monitor. As you gain strength, you will start pushing yourself more with either larger weights or by increasing your pace. All along, you will be guided and inspired by a coach who shares encouragement and recommendations through the class.
I’m so excited to be going to Orangetheory Fitness regularly starting this month. My favourite thing about this program is that 1) the class flies by and 2) I get both of my cardio and strength training in one day (I’ve never done that in the past because I never had the motivation for it).
If you want to try it out for yourself and see exactly what I’m talking about, click HERE to try your first class for free! I promise you won’t regret it, and if nothing more, it will energize you during the dreary winter weather.
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Orangetheory Fitness Canada. The views and opinions expressed in this blog, however, are purely my own.
Do they have anything for 55+?
Of course. All ages welcome