Part of my 2022 New Year’s resolution is to exercise more. With Spring just around the corner, now is the best time to start. Since exercise releases more beta endorphins and helps us maintain energy and incites our motivation, then what time is better for initiating all of that than during the doldrums of winter? Exercise is great for physical and mental health. So I am setting three weekly goals to achieve this spring. I am starting with small mindfulness tasks and physical exercises. I am then working my way up into the impressive stuff. As with coding, I want a solid foundation for my program.

First, I will start hiking again. The hill and its crest where I live are at the perfect inclines and lengths to get great cardio exercise and to establish denser stabilizer muscles in my calves and thighs. I assume it also helps strengthen the muscles in my lower back. Since it has been a lazy winter, I will start with one lap. By the end of March, I will be doing at least one hill climb and crest walk at least three times a week. I will add climbs and laps to my routine from there as I advance physically. By May, I will be doing this everyday, with at least three hill climbs and crest walks each day. I will also be sprinkling in some hiking the trails at Cowles Mountain and Mission Trails, etc.

I will also start lifting weights. I want to build more muscle density. As we age, it is important that we continue to do our best to provide biology with the best overall health and functionality our individual genetics have to offer. And that takes work. I will start with our free weights at home, but I may eventually require a gym membership for this part of my resolution. Starting small, I will use our dumbbells three times a week. Beginning with low sets and repetitions, I will quickly build up more sets and add more repetitions. Once I have established solid stabilizers and have out-grown the at home dumbbells, I will advance into lifting heavier weights and using machines at a local gym.

Third, I will start working on my flexibility. As I get older, I notice that there is more straining involved when I need to bend over or turn my body in any non-typical movement. To improve here, I will start with basic beginners yoga. I want to practice yoga two-to-three days a week. I will expand the practice from here as I better grasp and appreciate its benefits.

My goal and overall resolution is to design a healthful routine for myself that I am most likely to stick with and use to springboard myself into doing even more extraordinary things in life. My routine may evolve differently than I plan, but I want to start 2023 with a physical and mental health profile that has me living my best me yet. I have come so far in my personal wellness journey over the past few years. I recognize that. I am ready to go even further. The point has always been to establish and build upon the best habits that build upon the best me. Wish me luck! What about you? What is your personal Spring cleaning?