There are two ways to look at my approach to achieving my goals, especially when it comes to today’s topic of fitness: there is the positive interpretation, or “efficient,” and the negative way, or “lazy.”

But it doesn't matter how my behavior is interpreted, as long as it is getting me the results that I seek! In order to achieve my most important goals, I need to prioritize, and along the way I have learned to find the least amount of effort to accomplish what I desire. Even big goals begin with these small steps!

Today in episode 42, I’m sharing my current minimalist workout or cross-training regimen, future fitness goals, and ideas for creating your own custom plan.

That’s right, we’re talking about exercise and working out, and I want to be clear that I am not not necessarily recommending that you exercise like me, or suggesting that the way you appear, function, move your body should in any way resemble the way I do. You are beautiful as you are, and I just want to share tools that have helped create better balance and well-being in my life. 

Body positivity all the way!

What I want to encourage is your own discovery of what brings you joy in movement, what makes you feel good and capable, and what expands what your body can do, in the ways you want to.

Taking control of your movement, your yoga practice, and your dancing can be incredibly liberating and can ripple out to the rest of your life. Maybe for you, minimal movement involves doing a favorite stretch each morning, a walk around the block on your break, or another action you will enjoy and that cumulatively, will make you feel good!

I have collected many exercises over the years from dance, yoga and Pilates classes as well as physical therapy from a variety of practitioners, and have developed a minimal and evolving plan that allows me to do what I need to do (teach ballet and yoga, bicycle, walk, sit to create content, coach, and study on the computer), feel able, minimize my stress, and care for my nervous system. I do have lingering pain from accidents and injuries of the past, so there is a certain amount of maintenance I require to minimize the effects of old whiplash and other injuries.

START with a short and simple yoga practice

TRY a minimal full-body workout like Ben Greenfield's 10-Minute Workout

I chose versions of each of the basic exercises that suit me, and also recorded videos for each element of the “10-Minute Workout,” with a variety of fun variations and modifications to try on my “Micro-Workout” YouTube Playlist. Maybe you don’t feel up to jumping today (or ever), then consider my side-lying jumping jacks. Or perhaps your aversion to push ups could become delight with the right variation. Or maybe none of these exercises is right for you, but the idea of coming up with your own edited capsule or micro-workout inspires you!

MAKE IT MINIMAL like Atomic Habits**

TRACK your habit and don't skip more than one day

KEEP IT FRESH with variety

What will your own “micro-workout” cross-training look like? Is it irresistible and in small enough increments where I can find no good excuse to skip it? Does it feel good, make you feel stronger (or more flexible or more relaxed…) and encourage you to keep going? What structures of support and accountability do you need in place to guarantee consistent practice for guaranteed results?

Tell me at the A Blythe Coach Facebook Page or on my website, ablythecoach.com

Blythe Stephens, MFA