Kerry Winkler 2023-12-22 06:25:38
Dear NoMiWoman Readers,
Growing up, “working out” was not on the never-ending list of things to do. We were climbing trees, riding bikes on backroads and swimming at the lake without a care in the world — or a phone in our hands. This Fitness issue is a reminder to us all that we can recapture that mindset about fitness — back to one of simple enjoyment.
I had many years where I was a very happy gym rat. The #1 reason I loved it was because I enjoyed the women who were part of my fitness class (sorry, no way was it the exercise!). I made a lifelong friend in that group who is still a big part of my life, 10 years later.
I’ve also had years where I kept fit because I trained for bike races. Everyone was excited to either ride their bike or cheer on the racers. The joy came from the feeling of being outdoors with the buzz of energy from other racers — certainly not those hill climbs!
There have also been quiet chapters in my fitness with long walks with true friends talking about life’s complexities. The joy came from the connection, the friendship, the laughs — not the miles put in.
But some chapters are hard, isolating and out of touch with joy. This past fall, I have found myself frequently on a boring treadmill, streaming a show about friendships or being outdoors instead of just simply being outdoors with friends. My fitness has declined and I know why.
This new year brings with it the opportunity to refocus on what fitness really means. It is time to get back to what brings joy in the being, not the doing. Fitness will follow!
Kerry Winkler, Editor and Publisher
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