What is in my back pocket?

I'm a back pocket kind of gal. I've planned for 'A' but I've got plan 'B' through 'D' played out in my mind already. Particularly when it comes to meal planning, entertaining the kids and of course my exercise routine.

Planning you say?

Yes, planning. There are very few things in my life that are not done without a plan. Ask my husband, he can tell you all about it!

Now thinking about planning, it makes me think of all the ways I teach others about planning. I usually call them your Back Pocket Plans. Let me explain…

It can be challenging to be physically active over the winter months. We are more inclined to kick up our heels and sit with a cozy blanket and read, watch a movie or scroll on our phones and tablets.

When this is the case, it is even more important to have a plan.

But what if the plan doesn't work?

What if it is blizzarding outside and your plan is to go on your regular outdoor walk?

That's where the Back Pocket Plan comes in.

If walking is your mode of choice or preference, what are the alternatives?

Maybe your list looks like this…

#1. Use my forgotten clothes hanger, I mean treadmill, in my dark, musty basement. Ideal - no. Is it possible? Yes. But remember this is only option one.

#2. Throw on your favourite tunes and grab your broom. Nobody is scoring you on your dance moves or cleaning technique. Clean and dance away!

#3. When and if you can safely go walk indoors in public (with your mask of course) finding the right location is key. Where is a suitable place to go? Looking for mileage, head over to any "super" stores and walking the parameter. Or walk up and down EVERY aisle of the store. Most are numbered so make a game of it. Go every odd aisle first then all the even aisles. Challenge your brain too!

*DISCLAIMER - I'm certainly not recommending going out to public places. I myself am not going out so I would never ask anyone go in public to exercise if health recommendations are to stay home (refer back to #1, #2 and coming up #4, #5 Back Pocket Plans until we can be together in public with others).

#4. If your home has stairs, go climb them. Maybe start with only one set and walking around your home then back to the stairs. Still too much? Then try some step ups on the bottom stair to your tolerance.

#5. Jump on to the internet to guide you through your walk. Leslie Sansone has been leading walks at home for almost two decades! Her videos use the beats per minute in a song to count the number of steps. The number of steps (with an assumed stride length) multiplied by time equates into miles walked. How cool is that!

So there you have it! I have five Back Pocket Plans to do if you can't get out on your regular outdoor walk.

I'll let you in on a little secret. I've done all of these! But don't feel like you have to keep these suggestions to just a substitution for walking. My strategy has been to mix up WHAT or the type of physical activity I do. I have built a running list in my head of all the options that I can do. And at anytime can pull from my back pocket.

Guess what just got added to my back pocket list?

Cross country skiing! I was gifted a pair of skis, I picked up some formerly loved boots and I scouted out locations to go.

The beauty of making a plan!

If this is resonating with you and you feel like you don't have a plan or need help with formulating a plan I've got some exciting news. I am offered a new online course in the Physical Activity Academy in 2021! The first thing I will share with you (for free!) is one of the six key modules in the course. Watch for it coming later this month! Think of it as a Christmas present just for you! 🎅🏻

Here is a sneak peak at the name of the full online course!

Sooooo exciting! This has been in the works for well over a year and a half! Woowho!

Alright! Until then, can you start formulating your Back Pocket Plan?

Stay well and happy moving,
Lisa

P.S., In case you are interested in booking "I'm Dreaming of a Yoga Christmas" single yoga class with me, you can find more information on my website. I still have some spots available in December and open to bookings in 2021!