Teacher friends, have you ever felt like your schedule is just way too packed to fit in any thing else? If you have, then we have something in common. Busy teachers everywhere may often put certain tasks on the back burner due to lack of time, including exercise. In this blog post, I will share some fitness ideas for teachers, as well as invite you to participate in the Move It Challenge!
Fitness and Me: The Backstory
In my early years of teaching, I enjoyed doing home workouts using different DVDs. My favourite one back then was Turbo Jam by Chalene Johnson. Ready for some nostalgia? Look no further! Take a peek below!
Later on, I enjoyed doing Zumba classes with a friend at a local gym for a few years. It was lots of fun doing these classes a few times a week. Those workout sessions were not only a great stress reliever, but also like a mini social event!
The past few years have been stressful for everyone all over the world. Everyone responds to stress in different ways. Unfortunately for me, when the pandemic hit in March 2020, I lost the interest in working out as I did before. The motivation to exercise disappeared for a time because my mind was just on too many other things.
That was then.
This is now.
I am not where I want to be yet, but I’m going to get there. I intend to make it happen, even in a small way.
Finding Time for Working Out
I reflect on the times when I was motivated to work out and dedicated to doing so several times a week. It was a sacrifice to carve in a block of time in my day or evening to do so.
However, I definitely remember how good I felt when I finished a workout. Of course it took effort to start sometimes and push through, but I felt a sense of accomplishment during the cool down!
I enjoyed the routines (e.g., classes).
It was great to include a workout, even a short one, after a busy day of teaching.
It helped me build stamina, gave me more energy, helped me sleep better, and was a great way to deal with stress from the day.
All of that and more is why I am focusing on getting into a workout routine again as part of my self-care practice.
It’s worth the time for me, even if it’s for a short time, but consistently.
Fitness Ideas for Teachers
Disclaimer: Please always check with your health practitioner before starting any exercise routine. I am not an expert, so please do not take the following as health advice. The ideas shared below are just some that I personally choose to follow.
I will share a few different fitness ideas that I am going to be using to help me get back into a routine of working out. Have you tried any of them before, too?
After sharing them below, I will then discuss my personal plan that I’m calling the “Move It Challenge”. It’s something that I hope to roll into the school year, too!
Walking Outdoors
It may sound simple, but this past school year, some friends at work encouraged each other to walk for about 20 – 30 minutes at lunch time.
I walked for about 3 – 4 times per week on average this year during lunch time. I never knew that I would enjoy it so much! The fresh air, change of scenery from the classroom, and the chance to chat with dear friends during the work day, was a gift I didn’t know I needed!
With the exception of days with heavy rain, my friends and I walked outdoors and then went to eat lunch. It was a welcome routine that I intend to start again in the next school year.
Grow With Jo Workouts
Have you ever heard of workouts, Grow With Jo on YouTube (growwithjo)? Jo, the instructor, has quite a few walking workouts on her channel.
There is a variety of workouts available, including some for beginners, intermediate, and advanced. You will also find some upbeat, dance routines that are lots of fun, too.
Some fitness routines are categorized by length of time (e.g., 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, etc.).
I personally like how Jo uses the countdown timer in her videos.
FitOn App
According to the website and app itself, FitOn is described as follows:
#1 Free Fitness App. Workout Anytime, Anywhere. Unlimited access to the world’s best workouts from celebrity trainers.
This app is such a valuable resource! It’s is available for use on your phone, as well as on a laptop.
The layout of the app is clean, simple, and easy-to-use.
There is a large selection of programs such as:
- Supercharged Strength
- Fit Starter
- Slim Down
You will also find many kinds of challenges that you can participate in. These include:
- 10-Day Kickstarter
- Yoga Strong
- No Equipment Lovers
I enjoy the strength-training workouts here, too. I use lighter and medium weights (or none at all), depending on the video I select.
Here’s a quick peek at some sample videos from Fit On:
FitBit
Using a fitness tracker can also be helpful in monitoring my fitness goals. For instance, I’ve been using a Fitbit for many years now. I know there are many features available for free, and of course, many other options that come with a fee.
I use the free option and for the purpose of this post, will share how I use it.
I love that my fitbit can keep track of my steps all day, every day. I use it as my watch and mainly to keep tabs on my steps.
Using the fitbit app on my phone, I’m able to sync the data from my fitbit watch and get more details, too. If I do a workout for instance (e.g., walking, cardio, etc.) for at least fifteen minutes consistently, it usually automatically records it as exercise on the app. It tells me details such as:
- the length of time
- average beats per minute
- approximate calories burned
- heart rate zones (e.g., below zones, fat burn, cardio, peak)
- number of steps taken, etc.
You also have the option to manually add workouts done on the app, too.
Read this post: Self-Care for the Tired Teacher
Using the fitbit during the school day has been fun because I have made some intentional choices, knowing that they can help me get more steps.
Since getting my fitness tracker, I have enjoyed walking around the school yard even more during yard duty! After I realized that the tracker kicks in after approximately 15 minutes of consistent walking (or working out), I got a boost of motivation to enjoy this part of my day in a different way!
Read this Post: Teacher Tip | Encourage Exercise Throughout the Day
So, What’s the Move It Challenge?
Well, the Move It Challenge is something that I personally planned for myself! Here is my goal for it:
I intend to choose at least one way to move purposely each day (e.g., any exercise of choice as described above).
In order for me to monitor and track my progress, I will write down what I do each day. I will be printing out a few copies of a planner so that I keep notes. I find that when I write things down, it keeps me more accountable and also helps me see my progress over time.
Here’s a free gift for you, too! You can download and print the planner as well and use in the same way (or for any other purpose that is helpful to you).
So, how about you? Will you join the Move It Challenge, too? You’re invited to join me!
Kris of Minds to grow
What Will the Move It Challenge Look Like For Me?
I feel like if I intend to exercise, or move purposely in one way each day, then I can build my stamina and perhaps “move” more often over time (e.g., sometimes aim to do a longer workout).
So, what will my Move It Challenge look like for me?
It may be me walking at lunch time and also doing a Gro With Jo workout at home.
It could mean following a 15 minute stretching video from the FitOn App.
On some days (during the school year), it may simply mean maximizing the number of steps I get during my walk around the field during yard duty.
Another cool way to get some movement during your day: Do some Go Noodle workouts / brain breaks with your students! They will love you participating along with them and you will feel great, too!
What Will the Move It Challenge Look Like For You?
The Move It Challenge will be different for each person.
Maybe it will be a session of Yoga, HIIT, Pilates, or even a workout with a personal trainer.
Perhaps it can be short bursts of cardio throughout the day.
It can also be a circuit of exercises you are comfortable doing for a period of time.
The one main thing is to do just that…at least one thing.
Choosing to move purposefully in one way each day.
No matter if the time is shorter like ten minutes, or longer like one hour. Just get moving. Starting in a small way can create motivation to move in more ways when ready.
I am completely speaking to myself here and encouraging myself about it!
At the same time, I’m welcoming you to join, too, if it resonates with you.
Conclusion
As busy teachers, finding the time to fit in a workout may sometimes feel overwhelming due to an already packed schedule. Nevertheless, it’s important for us to make sure that we practice self-care (including exercise for me) throughout the school year.
I am determined to use my Move It Challenge as a way to slowly get back into a routine of working out again. It’s very important to me. My goal is to move purposely (exercise) in at least one way each day and record it on paper to monitor progress over time.
You are invited to participate! Feel free to download the free gift Weekly Planner template and use it to record what you do.
In fact, I’d love to know how you feel about this Move It Challenge! Send me a message on Instagram or via the contact page on my website. I look forward to hearing from you!
Questions to Consider
- Do you follow an exercise routine? If so, what types of exercise do you like doing best?
- Are you looking for ways to start working out?
- Does a busy schedule prevent you from doing more for you, like exercising?
Stay Connected!
Let’s chat on social media! Stay connected with Minds to Grow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also keep in touch with linktr.ee/mindstogrow.
